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Apr 23, 2020

Philippines Extends Lockdown of Manila and Nearby Areas to May 15

Andreo Calonzo, Bloomberg News

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - APRIL 23: Customers sit on chairs spaced to enforce social distancing as they queue outside a wet market on April 23, 2020 in Manila, Philippines. The Philippines' main island Luzon, which includes the capital Manila, remains on lockdown as authorities continue to struggle with the growing number of COVID-19 cases. Land, sea, and air travels have been suspended, while government work, schools, businesses, and public transportation have been ordered to shutdown in a bid to keep some 55 million people at home. The Philippines' Department of Health has so far confirmed 6,981 cases of the coronavirus in the country, with at least 462 recorded fatalities. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images) , Photographer: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images AsiaPac

(Bloomberg) -- The Philippines is extending until May 15 the lockdown of its capital and some nearby areas that account for majority of its economic output to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque announced the two-week extension of the lockdown in Metro Manila, central and southern parts of the main Luzon island. The restrictions in the main Luzon island started in mid-March.

Duterte’s Adviser on Business Wants Ease on Lockdown

The virus outbreak could shrink gross domestic product by as much as 1% this year -- its first contraction in more than two decades, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said earlier this month.