COVID-19 pandemic in Metro Manila
The COVID-19 pandemic in Metro Manila was a part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus reached Metro Manila on January 30, 2020, when the first case of COVID-19 in the Philippines was confirmed in Manila. Metro Manila is the worst affected region in the Philippines, where most cases in the country are recorded. A state of calamity and community quarantine was declared in the region on March 15.[1]
COVID-19 pandemic in Metro Manila
Wuhan, Hubei, China
January 30, 2020
(4 years, 2 months, 3 weeks and 3 days)
1,328,515
6,074
1,308,612
13,829
1.0%
After a month of no new cases in the country, the first case of someone without travel history abroad was confirmed on March 5, a 62-year-old male who frequented a Muslim prayer hall in San Juan City, raising suspicions that a community transmission of COVID-19 is already underway in the Philippines. The man's wife was confirmed to have contracted COVID-19 on March 7, which was also the first local transmission to be confirmed.[2][3]
By March 2022, much of the pandemic restrictions were lifted.
As of May 16, 2023, there have been 1,328,515 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila, with 13,829 deaths.[4]
Before the partial lockdown on Metro Manila declared on March 12, President Rodrigo Duterte had initially suspended classes across all levels in Metro Manila from March 10 to 14 upon reaching a consensus with the Metro Manila Council (the mayors of Metro Manila) due to the rapidly increasing number of cases, especially in the area.[79]
On March 12, President Duterte announced a partial lockdown covering Metro Manila, that begun on March 15 and will last until April 14. Under the partial lockdown:[80]
Following the declaration of the partial lockdown, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) suspended the enforcement of the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program, more commonly known as the number coding scheme.[81] The Metro Manila Council unanimously approved the imposition of the curfew in a joint resolution. All local governments, except for Marikina and Pateros, had adopted ordinances imposing the curfew in their respective cities, effective by March 20.[82] In that joint resolution, the council also ordered the closure of shopping malls and other establishments during the lockdown.[83]
A total of 56 checkpoints were set up to man the borders of Metro Manila on the first day of the partial lockdown.[34] At 12 midnight, a total of 26,000 police and military personnel were deployed to contain the pandemic of COVID-19 in the region. Motorists were stopped randomly and asked for their identification along the borders in North Luzon Expressway, MacArthur Highway, and the National Road (Maharlika Highway). Some checkpoints lacked thermal scanners.[84]
Following the moratorium on mass public transportation during the enhanced community quarantine, Vice President Leni Robredo launched free shuttle bus services for those individuals exempted from the quarantine, specifically health professionals, front line government officials, and essential service providers. Robredo's shuttle services travel five routes around Metro Manila, connecting the major hospitals.[85]
To address concerns regarding the hoarding and panic buying of essential goods, some city governments issued ordinances to limit the amount of such goods an individual or establishment could purchase.[86][87][88]
The Department of Health has on March 20, 2020, has announced that it has designated three health facilities as COVID-19 referral hospitals namely the UP-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) in Manila, the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium in Caloocan and the Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City. The UP-PGH has stopped admitting non-emergency cases and the Lung Center has dedicated one of its wings of 40 beds for COVID-19 patients. The Philippine Blood Center likewise will not admit any suspected COVID-19 cases with the health department encouraging the public to continue donating blood for COVID-19 patients with critical and severe conditions.[89]
The national government announced on March 25 a cash aid for poor families affected by the pandemic in the region amounting to ₱8,000 of monthly subsidy over two months as part of the ₱200 billion cash assistance program under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act signed by President Duterte.[90]
Vice President Robredo converted a dormitory in Cubao, Quezon City, to provide free accommodations for front line health professionals during the enhanced community quarantine.[91]
On March 26, the Department of Agriculture launched its first mobile farmers' market in the region, the Kadiwa on Wheels, in Quezon City, to ensure enough food supply amid the closure of most retail establishments due to the region-wide quarantine.[92]
Various facilities in the metropolis are being prepared as quarantine sites for less serious COVID-19 cases. Among these are the Philippine International Convention Center, the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, and the World Trade Center will be fully refurbish by April 12. The three facilities alone can accommodate around 2,000 COVID-19 patients. Other non-hospital facilities being considered as possible quarantine sites include the PhilSports Complex, Duty Free Philippines in Parañaque, Amoranto Stadium, and the Quezon Memorial Circle.[93]
Medical response[edit]
Face masks and respiratory hygiene[edit]
On April 2, the IATF-EID declared that wearing face masks will be mandatory over the entire Luzon for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine, including Metro Manila. Residents are now required to wear surgical masks, do-it-yourself masks, handkerchiefs, or improvised cloth that covers the nose and mouth at all times, amid the shortage of available face masks globally. Local government units are urged to issue necessary executive orders or ordinances to require the use of face mask and impose penalties for offenders.[237] Earlier, Muntinlupa had already passed an ordinance requiring its residents to wear face masks on March 30,[238] followed by Makati on April 13.[239]
Disease testing[edit]
There are 191 licensed RT-PCR testing laboratories nationwide, 91 of which are in Metro Manila.
The first localized COVID-19 mass testing began on Valenzuela on April 11, which was administered for free to susceptible and probable residents, front line health workers and returning overseas Filipinos. On April 13, the Manila city government announced its capability to conduct its own localized targeted mass testing, which can produce up to 1,624 tests per week.[134] On April 14, the City of Manila, Quezon City and Muntinlupa began their own localized mass testing.[56][240][57] It was followed by Parañaque (April 20), Mandaluyong and Taguig (April 22), and Makati (April 30).