Duterte Announces 30-Day Lockdown to Contain Virus Spread in Metro

du30
In the Philippine government’s most drastic measure yet in its fight to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he is placing Metro Manila under lockdown. Duterte said that he had approved the measure after an inter-agency task force recommended the suspension of land, domestic air and domestic sea travel to and from the Metro from March 15, midnight to April 14 end of day. The President’s new announcement comes three days after he suspended classes on all levels in National Capital Region from March 10 to 14 as cases continue to rise in the country. Duterte said the reason for the lockdown is to ensure the health and safety of the public and “establish a benchmark on the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the country.” Earlier, the Metro Manila Council, which is made up of the Metro’s city mayors, expressed openness to the idea of a lockdown. As of March 12, confirmed cases of Covid-19 rose to 47 in the PH, with death toll now at five. Pres rodrigo roa duterte The lockdown will drastically hamper in and out of Metro Manila, with people and cargo travel subject to case-to-case assessment. "We do not want to say (the term), but it is a lockdown," Duterte said during a televised press conference. Metro Manila is home to approximately 15 million people, with an estimated 3 million coming in from nearby provinces to work in various commercial districts spread across its 13 cities and four municipalities. On land, the lockdown will be facilitated by checkpoints located along Metro Manila’s boundaries. Employees from nearby provinces will be permitted travel as long as they can present proof of employment to the screeners. As for air and sea travel, only Filipino citizens and foreigners carrying of permanent resident visas/Philippine diplomatic visas will be allowed to enter the country. LRT Operations in mass transportation systems such as the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) will continue, although the Department of Transportation (DOTr) says that travelers must make sure they follow social distancing guidelines set by the agency. “Nandyan na 'yan, huwag ninyong maliitin,” Duterte said in his televised address. “But do not kill yourself with worry because government is doing everything possible to make it controllable.”

Also Read:

FIA Ready to Implement Drastic Measures against Coronavirus Outbreak

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • BAIC PH previews 5-car lineup prior to public launch
    BAIC PH previews 5-car lineup prior to public launch
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Bentley, PUBG Mobile team up to bring 'opulence to battleground'
    Bentley, PUBG Mobile team up to bring 'opulence to battleground'
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • ‘Mixed’ pump price adjustments set for tomorrow
    ‘Mixed’ pump price adjustments set for tomorrow
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 18, 2024
  • BDO-issued AmEx cardholders entitled to exclusive travel essential discounts
    BDO-issued AmEx cardholders entitled to exclusive travel essential discounts
    Paulo Papa . Mar 18, 2024
  • Mazda PH to distribute Autoexe parts, accessories
    Mazda PH to distribute Autoexe parts, accessories
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 18, 2024
  • Cabin check: What’s inside the BYD Atto 3
    Cabin check: What’s inside the BYD Atto 3
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • Midsize SUV battle: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Ford Everest
    Midsize SUV battle: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Ford Everest
    Paulo Papa . Mar 14, 2024
  • Hyundai Santa Fe: 6 seductive colors
    Hyundai Santa Fe: 6 seductive colors
    Paulo Papa . Mar 12, 2024
  • Hyundai Santa Fe vs. the competition
    Hyundai Santa Fe vs. the competition
    Paulo Papa . Mar 12, 2024
  • Luxury mover matchup: GAC M8 vs. Toyota Alphard
    Luxury mover matchup: GAC M8 vs. Toyota Alphard
    Paulo Papa . Feb 27, 2024
  • Here are some ideal destinations and safety tips for the upcoming Holy Week
    Here are some ideal destinations and safety tips for the upcoming Holy Week
    Paulo Papa . Mar 08, 2024
  • Here are some New Year’s resolutions for car owners
    Here are some New Year’s resolutions for car owners
    Paulo Papa . Jan 03, 2024
  • PH auto market: 2023 in retrospect
    PH auto market: 2023 in retrospect
    Paulo Papa . Dec 15, 2023
  • Here’s a holiday gift guide for car enthusiasts
    Here’s a holiday gift guide for car enthusiasts
    Hazel Nicole Carreon . Dec 15, 2023
  • Oil players cut pump prices anew
    Oil players cut pump prices anew
    Paulo Papa . Nov 14, 2023
  • BYD Atto 3: from the metro to the mountains
    BYD Atto 3: from the metro to the mountains
    Paulo Papa . Mar 18, 2024
  • Late bloomer: Hyundai Stargazer GLS Premium
    Late bloomer: Hyundai Stargazer GLS Premium
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 08, 2024
  • Adventure-ready: Subaru Crosstrek
    Adventure-ready: Subaru Crosstrek
    Paulo Papa . Mar 01, 2024
  • More doors, more fun: Suzuki Jimny 5-door
    More doors, more fun: Suzuki Jimny 5-door
    Paulo Papa . Feb 27, 2024
  • Refined ride: Volkswagen Tharu SEL
    Refined ride: Volkswagen Tharu SEL
    Paulo Papa . Feb 27, 2024