Philippines raises alert level, putting Manila under quarantine amid coronavirus spread
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has implemented a community quarantine and raised the public health alert level in Metro Manila to the highest Code Red Sub-Level 2. This drastic measure is aimed at halting the spread of the coronavirus, as the number of confirmed cases in the country rises to 52, with five deaths reported. The community quarantine means that land, domestic air, and domestic sea travel to and from Metro Manila will be suspended from March 15 to April 14. Classes in all levels in Metro Manila have also been suspended until April 12.
During a televised address, Duterte called for strict compliance with the lockdown measures, emphasizing the need for social distancing and the avoidance of mass gatherings. He stated, It’s a lockdown. It’s a matter of protecting you from coronavirus. The crisis is very clear. The coronavirus is spreading throughout the country.
While work in the executive branch of government will be suspended, a skeletal workforce will be maintained to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of basic services. Health and emergency frontline services will also remain operational. Duterte urged the private sector to adopt flexible work arrangements.
Public transport, including the Light Rail Transit, Metro Rail Transit, and Philippine National Railways, will continue to operate during this period. Local government units outside of the capital have been ordered to adhere to guidelines for localized community quarantine in their respective areas when necessary.
This move to implement a community quarantine comes as an effort to contain the further spread of the coronavirus in the Philippines. By imposing travel restrictions and suspending classes, President Duterte aims to prioritize the health and safety of the Filipino people. The government is urging the public to cooperate fully and follow the stringent measures in place, emphasizing the importance of social distancing during this critical time.
