Philippines steps up lockdown again

Addis Ababa, August 3, 2020 (FBC) -The Philippines is bringing back strict quarantine measures in and around the capital Manila, to tackle a recent rise in virus cases.

The decision by President Rodrigo Duterte follows warnings from doctors and nurses the country was losing the fight against the disease and risking the collapse of its health system.

The measures are likely to include the shutdown of some businesses and public transport. They’ll start on Tuesday and are to last for two weeks.

Coronavirus infections have been rising in the Philippines despite one of the world’s strictest and longest lockdowns, which began to ease in June.