Philippine President Announces Condition Red Manila Lockdown

Thursday night the Philippine President announced a Code Red lockdown for Manila because of the Coronavirus affecting all domestic and international flights originating and terminating in Manila. Nothing has been mentioned about international or domestic flights from or to Cebu, Ilo Ilo, Clark, Tagbilaran, Kalibo or Davao.

Commerce would be unaffected between Manila and the provinces allowing grocery stocks to be replenished after the panic buying.


Only Filipinos and those who hold permanent resident visas will be admitted by BI.

Chinese, Korean and other foreign tourists need not try to come while the Code Red is in affect. This will be have a long term affect on our local tourism industry.

Philippine Airlines put out this statement:

shakey

 

March 15. So they're giving everyone a few days to get out and spread the virus across all provinces. Too little too late. I'm starting to think this is going to get ugly here.

 

But the heat may be a reason why, hopefully, the rate of infections will remain relatively low - supported by the fact that the country is a group of islands, which is a form of isolation already.

Also, compare that with what is happening in the UK, where (i) 70,000 people are crowding into a racecourse on Saturday and (ii) where possibly they might allow the virus to spread through the country to enable herd immunity. They are guessing that they need 60% infections, therefore about 36 million people. The risks with that is very great, especially if the virus mutates during that process - producing a very dangerous virus that is then too widespread to control.

I would rather be here. But I have reached the stage now of wearing a face mask when out and about, as well as using alcohol spray.

 

I just read:
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1241674/lockdown-rules-still-in-the-works-ids-a-must giving more details of the proposals and the article does say they are expecting a mass exodus before the lockdown comes into force.

So we may not know how many infected will come to our region. It really is best now to wear a mask and eye cover when out and about; it cannot do any harm (for those who debate the usefulness) but may be a life-saver.