MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday called for a “total lockdown” in Metro Manila, amid the increasing cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country, most of which are being treated in hospitals in the capital region. If Metro Manila borders will not be completely sealed off, Gatchalian warned that we may be overwhelmed by the rising number of COVID-19 cases. The Department of Health has so far reported 140 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 12 of whom have already died. “Again, the situation calls for more drastic actions to prevent COVID-19 from spreading outside Metro Manila and anywhere in the country. ADVERTISEMENTGatchalian himself tested negative of the disease after he interacted with a person who later tested positive for coronavirus disease.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 16, 2020 05:37 UTC