A COVID 19 spike has disrupted businesses in the Philippines, with banks, malls and airlines reducing operations and some schools suspending online classes due to staff sickness, as authorities announced a third day of record new cases on Monday. The Philippines reported 33,169 new coronaviruses, with the overpopulated capital Manila and surrounding provinces worst hit.
More than a hundred domestic and international flights have been cancelled due to the surge in cases, with airlines reporting infections among staff and lower demand due to uncertainty among travellers.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told ANC that the healthcare system is at risk of being overwhelmed and that people should immediately isolate and get tested.
The Southeast Asian nation was gradually easing restrictions last year, as vaccination rates rose and infection rates fell, but authorities were forced to tighten mobility curbs to contain a rapid spread last week.
Mayors in the capital see no need to restrict movement because people were self-regulating, said Benjamin Abalos, chairman of the city's council of mayors.