[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Despite strengthened quarantine measures, the Philippines has failed to contain the spread of COVID-19, with nearly 40,000 new confirmed cases reported.
According to the Philippine Department of Health on the 16th, the previous day's confirmed cases reached 39,004, marking the highest number ever recorded.
The Philippines had eased quarantine measures last year as vaccinations expanded and infections subsided, but since the end of the year, confirmed cases have surged sharply due to the influx of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.
Maria Rosario Vergeire, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, predicted, "The number of confirmed cases will peak between the end of this month and mid-next month."
In particular, the spread of infections is rapidly increasing around the capital city of Manila. In the metropolitan area of the Philippines, unvaccinated individuals are prohibited from using public transportation. Citizens must present vaccination certificates when taking buses or trains. Unvaccinated individuals must obtain prior approval from authorities if they need to travel to buy groceries, receive treatment, or get vaccinated.
Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte emphasized in a TV address on the 6th that unvaccinated citizens who violate movement restrictions will be arrested.
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