Philippines prolongs partial coronavirus curbs in Manila to Jan 31

MANILA, Dec 28 (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo
Duterte on Monday extended partial coronavirus restrictions in
the capital, Manila, until the end of January to prevent the
spread of COVID-19 following Christmas and holiday festivities.
The capital region, which accounts for 40% of the country's
economic output and is home to at least 12 million people,
remains the coronavirus hotspot in the Philippines, which has
the second highest infections and deaths in Southeast Asia.
In a national address, Duterte placed the capital region,
his hometown Davao City and eight other areas under partial
quarantine measures for the entirety of January. Less stringent
restrictions will be enforced for the rest of the country.
"Stay home if it is really possible, if you can. It is for
your own good," Duterte said.
Interior Minister Eduardo Ano said on Monday there was no
need to return to a hard lockdown as long as there was no proof
that the new COVID-19 variant from the United Kingdom had
entered the country.
The capital region, an urban sprawl of 16 cities fused
together, has been under partial curbs since August.
Physical distancing is enforced on public transport, and
face masks and shields are required for anyone stepping out of
their homes. Most businesses, including dine-in services, have
been allowed to reopen at reduced capacity to support the
economy.
Healthcare workers are bracing for a surge in infections
following holiday merrymaking. The Philippines has 470,650 cases
and 9,124 deaths from COVID-19, with around a thousand new
infections reported daily.
The Southeast Asian nation is also preparing for the new,
more transmissible COVID-19 variant which has been found in
Britain and has rattled global financial markets, by extending a
flight ban from Britain until mid-January.
It also requires passengers that come from or have transited
in Britain and other countries that have reported finding the
new variant to complete a 14-day quarantine upon arrival,
regardless of test results.