The community quarantine for Metro Manila, the Philippines' capital region, began on Sunday in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The measure, which discourages non-essential activities and mass gatherings in public, and advises social distancing, among others, is initially set for a month.

The country has recorded 111 COVID-19 cases, including 8 fatalities.

Across the world, some 150,000 people have contracted the disease, with more than 5,000 deaths.

Scenes inside Baclaran Church in Paranaque City as workers sanitize the seats inside while masses are suspended on March 15, 2020. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News

A baptist church in Quezon City broadcasts its service via livestream on March 15, 2020 as the community quarantine of Metro Manila begins to contain the spread of COVID-19. More churches are turning to livestream services as mass gatherings, including religious services, are suspended. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

Scenes inside Baclaran Church in Paranaque City as masses are suspended on March 15, 2020. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News

Relatively few vehicles ply EDSA, the main thoroughfare in Metro Manila, as seen from Sct. Borromeo in Quezon City on March 15, 2020. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

A baptist church in Quezon City broadcasts its service via livestream on March 15, 2020 as the community quarantine of Metro Manila begins to contain the spread of COVID-19. More churches are turning to livestream services as mass gatherings, including religious services, are suspended. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

A convenience store in Quezon City in Metro Manila reminds customers to practice proper hygiene on March 15, 2020. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News