DPA
Manila
Shopping malls in the Philippines reopened on Saturday as the government eased restrictions imposed two months ago to contain the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected more than 12,000 people in the country.
Whlle the lockdown in the capital and other high-risk areas was extended until the end of the month, major malls and other commercial establishments considered essential have been allowed to resume partial operations nationwide.
The government has also allowed "home religious services” under the modified quarantine protocols, said presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
Priests, pastors, imams, rabbis and other religious ministers are allowed to conduct services at their homes or the homes of devotees, "provided there are proper health protocols, such as wearing of face masks, social-distancing, temperature checks and others,” he added.
Churches, mosques and other religious facilities have been closed since the lockdown was imposed in mid-March, which prohibited mass gatherings.
The Department of Health on Saturday reported 214 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines, bringing the national tally to 12,305. The death toll reached 817, with 11 additional fatalities.
Nearly 65 percent of the cases were from Metro Manila, where long lines of people and vehicles were seen outside major malls on Saturday.
Mall management implemented safety protocols such as temperature checks and physical-distancing. The number of people inside establishments was also limited. Everyone was required to wear face masks.
Manila
Shopping malls in the Philippines reopened on Saturday as the government eased restrictions imposed two months ago to contain the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected more than 12,000 people in the country.
Whlle the lockdown in the capital and other high-risk areas was extended until the end of the month, major malls and other commercial establishments considered essential have been allowed to resume partial operations nationwide.
The government has also allowed "home religious services” under the modified quarantine protocols, said presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
Priests, pastors, imams, rabbis and other religious ministers are allowed to conduct services at their homes or the homes of devotees, "provided there are proper health protocols, such as wearing of face masks, social-distancing, temperature checks and others,” he added.
Churches, mosques and other religious facilities have been closed since the lockdown was imposed in mid-March, which prohibited mass gatherings.
The Department of Health on Saturday reported 214 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines, bringing the national tally to 12,305. The death toll reached 817, with 11 additional fatalities.
Nearly 65 percent of the cases were from Metro Manila, where long lines of people and vehicles were seen outside major malls on Saturday.
Mall management implemented safety protocols such as temperature checks and physical-distancing. The number of people inside establishments was also limited. Everyone was required to wear face masks.