AMID the rapidly increasing number of fresh daily cases, the government is reverting back Metro Manila and the Calabarzon region under a stringent community quarantine that would see restrictions on certain economic activities and establishments.
In an announcement, presidential spokesman Harry Roque cited the need for such stricter imposition of restrictions to address the sharp hike in COVID-19 cases in the region and nearby regions like Calabarzon.
Roque said that the government is temporarily restricting the operations of driving schools, cinemas, gaming arcades, museums, cultural centers and Department of Tourism-accredited events venues.
Roque likewise hinted at a reduced capacity in gatherings – 30 percent capacity for religious gatherings, meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions capacity; and 50 percent capacity for restaurants, cafes, and personal care services.
Interestingly, it was also Roque who said in his previous briefings that the reopening of the economy does not cause the surge in the daily cases of COVID-19.
To date, the Department of Health has reported 640,984 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines. The death toll stands at 12,887.