Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 16) — Several cities in Metro Manila have declared a state of calamity as the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country continues to rise.
The city councils of Quezon City, Las Piñas, Manila, San Juan, Makati, Pasay, Muntinlupa, Marikina, Mandaluyong, Valenzuela, and Parañaque announced the move, which will allow authorities to tap the local quick response or calamity fund, and do emergency procurement of supplies to contain COVID-19.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier placed Metro Manila under “community quarantine” starting March 15, resulting in restricted travel to and from the region. Around 56 checkpoints have been set up for border control.
READ: Cops guard checkpoints as community quarantine begins in Metro Manila
The cities of Muntinlupa, Makati, Manila, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Mandaluyong, Caloocan, Navotas, Quezon City, San Juan, Pasay, Pasig, and Taguig have also imposed an 8 p.m. to 5 p.m. curfew. Exemptions will be given only to those working during curfew hours, health personnel, people seeking medical help, and those buying food or other essentials.
Meanwhile, several mall operators in the region have announced temporary closures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, banks, and restaurants with home delivery services, however, will still be open.
READ: LIST: Mall closures due to COVID-19
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country has reached 140, including 12 deaths, as of March 16. According to the World Health Organization, around 80 percent of patients experience only “mild illness” and eventually recover.
Outside Metro Manila, the province of Cavite also declared a state of calamity.
