Quarantine for Philippines’ capital begins
MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of police in this nation, backed by the army and the coast guard, started sealing the densely populated capital from most domestic travelers Sunday in one of Southeast Asia’s most drastic containment moves against the coronavirus.
Mayors announced plans to impose a night curfew in Metropolitan Manila, home to more than 12 million people. Residents have been asked to stay home except for work and urgent errands under monthlong restrictions that took effect Sunday.
The citywide quarantine means the suspension of domestic travel by land, air and sea to and from the capital region. Large gatherings such as concerts, movies and cockfighting will be prohibited, and most government work in executive department offices will be suspended in the metropolis. School closures at all levels were extended by a month.
President Rodrigo Duterte announced what he billed as a “general community quarantine” of the entire metropolis Thursday. Officials issued guidelines Saturday after confusion over the drastic moves set off panic buying in supermarkets and prompted many provincial residents to stream out of the metropolis, fearing they would be stranded in the capital.
Officials said the temporary restrictions will not amount to a lockdown of the capital because many workers and emergency personnel such as medical staff will be able to enter and leave the capital. Residents can move within the metropolis on their way to work or for urgent errands, including medical emergencies, officials said.
Movement of cargo and food shipments will continue unhampered, they said.