Philippines' coronavirus infections top 7,000

[MANILA] The Philippines' Health Ministry on Friday reported that confirmed cases of the new coronavirus have risen to more than 7,000.

In a bulletin, the ministry recorded 211 new infections, 15 additional deaths and 40 more recoveries. It brought the total cases to 7,192, deaths to 477 and recoveries to 762.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday extended a strict lockdown in the capital Manila until May 15 to try to contain coronavirus infections, but will ease restrictions in lower-risk regions.

The Philippines' major airlines said on Friday their domestic and international flights will remain suspended until mid-May, following the extension of coronavirus lockdown measures in the capital and affected cities and provinces.

Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and the Philippine unit of Malaysia's Airasia Group Bhd said passenger flights which were halted in March, will remain suspended. Cargo and special recovery flights will continue, the airlines told Reuters.

REUTERS