Philippine capital to retain coronavirus curbs until mass vaccinations start

MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will maintain the current level of coronavirus restrictions in the capital Manila until mass vaccinations start, his spokesman said on Monday (Feb 22), despite calls to ease curbs and revive the country's ailing economy.

The Philippines, among the fastest growing economies in Asia before the pandemic, saw its gross domestic product slump by a record 9.5 per cent in 2020, as one of the world's longest and strictest COVID-19 lockdowns shuttered thousands of businesses and left millions out of work.

"The chief executive recognises the importance of reopening the economy and its impact on people's livelihoods. However, the president gives higher premium to public health and safety," spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement.

READ: Philippines approves Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine but not for health workers

READ: Philippines' Duterte tells children to stay home and watch TV as new coronavirus strain spreads

The capital region, an urban sprawl of 16 cities accounting for 40 per cent of the country's economic output, has been under partial curbs known as GCQ (general community quarantine) since August, limiting the operating capacity of businesses and public transport. 

Face-to-face school and university classes are also prohibited.

The restrictions in Manila, the epicentre of the Philippine epidemic, were set to end this month but will be extended until the mass vaccination drive is under way.

READ: Duterte says Filipinos can use Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, but touts Sinovac deal

Roque said earlier on Monday that would kick off with 600,000 doses of Sinovac Biotech vaccines donated by China, which should arrive later this month.

The Philippines has been talking to seven vaccine makers to try to ensure sufficient supplies for more than two-thirds of its 108 million population.

Its Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday granted emergency use authorisation for the Sinovac vaccine, CoronaVac.

With more than 563,000 cases and nearly 12,100 deaths, the Philippines has the second highest COVID-19 infections and casualties in Southeast Asia, next to Indonesia.

BOOKMARK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus outbreak and its developments

Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram