Hanoi (VNA) – Millions of people returned to work in the Philippines’s Manilacapital on June 1 as one of the world's strictest and longest COVID-19lockdowns was eased to help resuscitate the economy.
After nearly three months of applyingthe blockade order, public transport such as trains and shuttle buses are allowed to operate in Manila but on a limited scale.
The majority of businesses are allowedto reopen, while residents can leave home without a permit. However, schools, barsand restaurants are still closed. Currently, both children and the elderly inthe country are required to stay at home unless they need to go out to buy necessities.
Earlier, the Philippine government relaxed restrictions in small towns outsideManila.
The Philippine Ministry of Healthreported that the country recorded 552 new casesof COVID-19 and three deaths on the same day, raising the totals to 18,638 and 960,respectively.
The Philippines currently has thethird highest number of infections and the second highest number of deaths inSoutheast Asia.
In Thailand, the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration under the Thai governmenthas suggested considering a long holiday in July to make up forthe cancellation of Songkran festivities that was supposed to be in April.
However, the centre said thisplan is only possible if the Thai people are able to help bring the new COVID-19cases to only one digit, or better at zero.
Previously, the Thai governmentdelayed the Songkran holiday slated for April 13-15 until "further notice"for fear that large gatherings and the homecoming of revellers could exacerbatethe COVID-19 outbreak.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ministry ofHealth announced that the countryconfirmed 467 more COVID-19 patients and 28 deaths on June 1, bringing thetotal of infections and fatalities to 26,940 and1,641, respectively./.
Cambodia eases ban on sports activities
The Cambodian Government on May 26 decided to relax the ban on sports activities after the COVID-19 situation in the country had shown improvement.