UPDATE 1-Philippines tightens coronavirus curbs as cases top 7,000 for third day

* Government approves stricter rules for travel, gatherings
* Philippines records second-highest daily spike in cases

(Adds details, latest coronavirus tally)
MANILA, March 21 (Reuters) - The Philippines will expand
tighter COVID-19 rules to include four provinces surrounding the
capital Manila, and restrict travel to and from these areas for
two weeks beginning on Monday, as the country battles a renewed
surge in infections.
The restrictions currently in effect in Metropolitan Manila
will also be imposed in the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna
and Rizal, including night curfews and the prohibition of mass
gatherings, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said on Sunday.
Only essential travel to and from the capital region and the
four provinces, which Roque called the bubble area, will be
allowed.
"This is not hard lockdown," he said in a virtual briefing
"But we have additional restrictions."
Gatherings will be allowed for weddings, baptisms, and
funeral services, but limited to a maximum of 10 people.
Travel will remain unimpeded within the bubble area but only
individuals 18-65 years old are allowed outdoors.
Travel to and from the bubble area is limited to health and
emergency frontline services personnel, government officials and
government frontline personnel, persons travelling for medical
and humanitarian reasons and those going to the airport to
travel abroad.
Restaurants will remain open but only for delivery,
take-out, and outdoor dining services.
The Philippines recorded 7,757 additional COVID-19 cases on
Sunday, the second-highest single-day increase in the Southeast
Asian nation and marks the third straight day confirmed new
cases topped 7,000. Total recorded cases in the Philippines had risen to 663,794
while confirmed deaths had reached 12,968, among the highest in
Asia.
The health department urged the public to ensure adherence
to minimum public health standards, which includes the wearing
of masks even at home when not alone.