Manila on third lockdown amid spread of Delta strain

Manila lockdown

Manila has returned to lockdown, it's third since the pandemic began. The lockdown comes in response to a huge surge in infections blamed mostly on the Delta variant of the virus.

With more than 1.6 million coronavirus cases and more than 28,000 deaths, the Philippines has the second worst outbreak in Southeast Asia after Indonesia.

For two weeks only essential businesses will be allowed to open in the capital region, an urban sprawl of 16 cities and home to 13 million people, as the threat of the Delta variant persists.  A curfew begins at 8pm. 

Financial problems and the possibility of contracting Covid-19 are the main concerns. Those who are not permitted to work can get limited financial help from the state. 

There was chaos and confusion at vaccination sites in Manila as thousands rushed to get their jabs before the lockdown kicked in. Demand for shots was so high that one center had to be closed down. 

The frenzy of people rushing to some vaccination sites was also sparked by rumors on social media that they would not receive government assistance or barred from leaving their homes if they were not vaccinated. 

Officials have tried to dispel the false rumors. For now, the government will be hoping that these latest measures will buy them time to bring back down infections to a manageable level.