Philippines confirm quarantine extension

President Rodrigo Duterte extends lockdown measures until April 30th.

Philippines.- The President of the Philippines has confirmed an extension to quarantine measures in the country to help combat the Coronavirus outbreak.

President Rodrigo Duterte has extended Luzon’s enhanced community quarantine until April 30th, with all non-essential services, including casinos, to remain closed to prevent any further spread of Covid-19.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles confirmed on Tuesday that Duterte has approved a recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to extend the closure, which was originally due to finish on Sunday (12th April).

Nograles said: “The reason why we are asking for an extension up to April 30th is to measure the full effect of the ECQ and to increase the health capacity of Luzon and the whole country.”

Rumours of the extended quarantine measures in the Philippines were reported on Monday (April 6th).

As of Tuesday evening (April 7th), the Philippines has 3,764 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the country, with 177 deaths.