Curfew to be imposed in Metro Manila amid COVID-19 spread

MANILA -- A curfew is going to be imposed in Metro Manila of the Philippines, begining Sunday, in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Saturday.

The curfew will be imposed from 8 pm to 5 am, starting March 15 until April 14, it was disclosed.

The Philippines has now 64 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including six deaths.

"To limit the spread of the virus we need to limit also the movement of the people," Bong Nebrija of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority told a news conference.

The curfew was unanimously approved by the Metro Manila city and town officials.

Nebrija said those people who are working or doing "essential" works will be allowed outside during the curfew hours. These people include working people, medical workers, and people who are working in supermarkets, groceries and the like.

The officials said they will also ask malls to temporarily close. However, supermarkets or groceries, banks and pharmacies will remain open.

The curfew is part of the lockdown that the government will impose on Monday to fight the virus. The Philippines placed Metro Manila, home to nearly 13 million people, under community quarantine in a bid to halt the spread of the COVID-19.

Under the restriction, land, domestic air and sea travel to and from Metro Manila will be banned with exemptions, mass gatherings will be prohibited.