Philippines extends coronavirus curbs for another month to prevent ‘Christmas surge’

The Philippines has reported fewer cases of Covid-19 so far this month at around 86,000. AFP via The Straits Times/Asia News Network

MANILA, Philippines — Current quarantine restrictions in the Philippine capital Manila and five other urban centers will stay till at least October, as the government heeds experts who warn that reopening the country too early may lead to a surge in coronavirus infections by Christmas time.

The rest of the country will be under the less restrictive “modified general community quarantine”, Health Secretary Francisco Duque announced during a meeting late on Monday (Sept 28) with President Rodrigo Duterte.

The Philippines has reported fewer cases of Covid-19 so far this month at around 86,000, compared to last month, which saw over 130,000 cases. It still has the highest number of infections in South-east Asia, with a total exceeding 300,000, though active cases are now down to around 49,000.

Data crunchers and health experts at the state-run University of the Philippines said indicators had so far been encouraging.

Just half of hospital beds set aside for Covid-19 patients in the capital are now occupied.

But these numbers still fell short of what was needed for restrictions in Metro Manila – home to some 16 million – to be relaxed further.

“The situation in (Metro Manila) has improved, as the rate of transmission, the number of cases, as well as the positivity rate and the measure for hospital resource utilization, are all on a downward trend,” they said.

They said while the time it took for infections to double had improved to 13 days from 1.55 in March, it still fell short of the 28 days the government was aiming for before it could further ease restrictions on public transport, work protocols and recreational activities.

“Based on past data and trends, a premature downgrading of the quarantine status may increase the risk of a surge in December, around Christmas time,” they warned.

They said at the current rate of infections, and with the existing restrictions in place, Covid-19 cases could still reach 400,000 by year’s end.

Most of the Philippines went through one of the world’s strictest and longest lockdowns from mid-March to May.

The sweeping lockdown was lifted in June, but that quickly led to a surge in infections that forced Mr Duterte to again enforce a two-week lockdown in Aug.

That allowed the government to “reboot” its pandemic response, officials said.

Since then, more trains, buses and jeepneys have been allowed to ply their routes. More people have been allowed in malls, churches and other public venues.

Gyms and other sports clubs, internet cafes and salons have reopened.

But the government is still enforcing strict rules on wearing of masks and face shields and social distancing.