Part of Tondo placed under 'lockdown' as loiterers persist amid COVID-19 crisis

MANILA (UPDATE) - A portion of Tondo in Manila was placed on “lockdown” on Wednesday as some residents continued to loiter in streets despite the national government’s directive to stay indoors to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a city hall official said.

Non-residents of Manila’s Zone 4 - which covers Dagupan and Tayuman streets, and portions of Tondo - will be restricted from these areas, Manila Public Information Office chief Julius Leonen said in a statement.

“As per Manila Barangay Bureau information office, all barangays under Zone 4 are under 'lockdown' as a preventive measure against COVID-19,” Leonen said.

“Bale hindi na pinapapasok mga taga-ibang barangay sa zone na iyon. Marami rin daw kasi palaboy-laboy sa area nila, contrary sa order ng national government na dapat may strict home quarantine,” he said.

Among the barangays included in the "lockdown" are Barangays 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 and 55. Around 24,000 residents are affected by said policy.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier placed the entire Luzon under a month-long enhanced community quarantine after Health officials said the global pandemic COVID-19 spreads through the transfer of tine droplets from an infected person’s mouth or nose.

• Luzon under enhanced community quarantine as COVID-19 cases rise

Under the policy, public transportation, malls and other establishments that do not sell basic necessities are suspended as communities are adviser to stay indoors to stop possible contamination.

As of Wednesday noon, 202 people in the Philippines have contracted the disease. Seventeen died, 7 recovered, while the rest remain confined in hospitals.

• Philippines' COVID-19 cases at 193; 7 recoveries cited

- with a report from Dexter Ganibe, ABS-CBN News