According to CCTV news, on the evening of March 12, Philippine President Duterte delivered a nationally televised speech announcing further measures against the new coronavirus. Due to the increasing number of cases of COVID-19, the Philippines’ alert level has been raised to the highest level – Code Red Level 2. At the same time, it was decided to seal off the capital Manila, and all land, sea and air transportation to and from Metro Manila will be suspended. The effective date of the city closure order is from March 15 to April 14.
The government will implement “strict social distancing” measures in the capital Metro Manila for 30 days, including the following:
1. All schools in the capital Metro Manila will be closed until April 12. But students cannot suspend schooling and local governments must ensure students stay at home.
2. Large-scale gatherings of people are prohibited.
3. Implement the necessary “community isolation” policy. For example, if there are more than 2 confirmed cases from different families in a village, the entire village will be quarantined; if there are more than 2 confirmed cases from different villages in a city, the entire city will need to be quarantined. If there are more than 2 confirmed cases from different cities in a province, the entire province will need to be quarantined. Local governments can declare community quarantine or enter a state of disaster as appropriate so that disaster relief funds can be quickly released.
4. In government departments, except for government agencies that ensure necessary transportation and provide emergency services, departments engaged in administrative affairs will be suspended.
5. Private enterprises will implement flexible work systems, and the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Trade and Industry will issue guidance and recommend that all manufacturing, retail and service industries continue to operate.
6. Public transportation services will continue to operate, including two light rails and national railways. The Ministry of Transport will issue specific guidelines.
7. Domestic road, air and sea transportation in and out of the capital Metro Manila will be suspended for 30 days within 48 hours after the issuance of this order, that is, from March 15 to April 14. , traffic in and out of the capital area will be suspended.
8. The government will revise the above measures according to the situation after 7 days.
A total of 52 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the Philippines, with 3 new deaths
On the evening of March 12, the Philippine Ministry of Health confirmed 3 new deaths from COVID-19 in the country, bringing the total number of deaths nationwide to 5. . As of the 12th, the Philippines had a total of 52 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Philippine President Duterte announced that he will be tested for the new coronavirus.
In his speech, Duterte also specifically mentioned China. Duterte said that China has done a very good job in epidemic prevention and control, so he will seek help from China if necessary.
China is the Philippines’ largest trading partner
Currently, China has become the Philippines’ largest trading partner and largest source of imports and the fourth largest export destination. According to statistics from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, in the first eight months of 2019, the bilateral import and export volume of goods between China and the Philippines was US$38.52 billion, an increase of 6.4%. Among them, China’s exports to the Philippines were US$25.37 billion, an increase of 12.6%; China’s imports from the Philippines were US$13.15 billion, a decrease of 3.9%. <br
