Duterte quarantines 57m in Philippines, expanding virus fight

President urges business to slow down and extend relief to staff

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The Philippines' quarantine measures have been extended to cover all of the main Luzon Island. © Reuters

CLIFF VENZON, Nikkei staff writer

MANILA -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday placed the archipelago's main Luzon Island under "enhanced community quarantine," expanding the drastic steps imposed on Metropolitan Manila to fight the spread of the new coronavirus.

Duterte also called on businesses to "slow down" in line with "social distancing" and a ban on mass gatherings in the northern Philippine island, which is home to over 57 million people and where Manila is located. The policy will last until April 12, subject to daily review.

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