COVID-19 Delta variant in Philippines: Lockdown begins on August 6

According to [ABS CBN News], Malacañang said on Tuesday it hoped Metro Manila's upcoming return to the strictest quarantine level would "be our last ever lockdown."

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The Philippine government announces lockdown begins on August 6. (Photo / Retrieved from Agence France-Presse)

Authorities were "guided by science" in placing the capital region's 13 million people under enhanced community quarantine from August 6 to 20, said Palace spokesman Harry Roque.

Infections in the Philippines exceeded 8,000 a day from Friday to Monday. Sunday's recorded tally of 8,735 infections was the highest since May 28.

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The Philippines reached a new record high of confirmed cases in 2 months. (Photo / Retrieved from Agence France-Presse)

According to [ABS CBN News], some 9.3 million individuals have been fully vaccinated as of Aug. 2, and around 11.8 million have received one dose, Roque said. The government aims to inoculate 58 to 70 million in the country to achieve herd immunity and safely reopen the economy.