A year into the pandemic,
The Philippines on Friday, March 19, logged 7,103 COVID-19 cases – the biggest single-day tally in the country since the pandemic began.
The new numbers pushed the country’s total confirmed cases to 648,066.
Barely 3 weeks into March, the caseload has hit 71,714, a big jump compared to the previous months (42,434 in December, 51,554 in January, and 50,734 in February).
Coronavirus deaths also continued to rise with 13 new fatalities, bringing the death toll to 12,900. Recoveries grew by 390 to 561,902.
Of the total cases, 73,264 are active – the highest since August 29, 2020, when 74,611 active cases were reported.
Government issues new restrictions
The government is reimposing stricter limitations on certain economic activities and establishments in Metro Manila and other general community quarantine (GCQ) areas for over two weeks, or until April 4.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque announced the decision on Friday, March 19, which was reached to address the steep rise in COVID-19 cases in the region and nearby regions like Calabarzon.
The following businesses have been ordered closed during the two-week period:
- Driving schools
- Cinemas
- Gaming arcades
- Museums
- Cultural centers
- Limited social events in establishments accredited by the Department of Tourist.
The government also reduced the capacity allowed for the following events:
- Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions – 30% capacity
- Religious gatherings – 30% capacity
- Restaurants, cafes, and personal care services – 50% capacity
The scaling back is also similar to the stricter GCQ enforced before February.
Casinos
Currently, no added restriction has been announced except to hotel guests of casinos.
In a Facebook post by Okada Manila.
“In compliance with government mandate, pregnant women, those with comorbidity or health risks, and those who are below 18 years old are not allowed inside the property for the next two weeks (March 17-31, 2021).For hotel staycation bookings, guests of all ages are allowed provided they undergo same-day rapid antigen test and have a negative result prior to check-in. Okada Manila has its own rapid antigen testing facility for the convenience and comfort of our staycation guests.”
Casinos
Even with the curfew, poker rooms are still operating.
Will post updates if there are changes.
