The Philippines has recorded more than 1.5 million coronavirus infections – in Southeast Asia ravaged by deltas -Including nearly 28,000 deaths.
So far, it has confirmed more than 200 delta infections, many of which are local cases, and there are concerns that more contagious strains may sweep the country like in neighboring countries.
OCTA, an independent research team that advises the government on the pandemic, has called for an immediate lockdown of the capital and warned that if no action is taken, the number of daily cases may triple to 3,000 by mid-August.
OCTA’s Ranjit Rye told AFP this week: “At this rate, it could overwhelm (the healthcare system) in a few days.”
Duterte expressed this possibility on Monday, although he lamented that the country could not afford it. The previous blockade has destroyed the economy, left millions of people unemployed and many families starved.
