Philippines records 34 more COVID-19 cases, imposes curfew on Metro Manila

The Philippines on Saturday reported 34 more confirmed COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number in the country to 98.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told a news conference that details of the new cases are being validated by the Department of Health and will be provided to the public as soon as information is available.

"We are also verifying reports of additional cases," she added.

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) also reported on Saturday three new deaths from the COVID-19 disease in the Philippines, bringing the death toll to eight.

Most deaths have occurred in Metro Manila, home to nearly 13 million people.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has announced that Metro Manila will be placed under "community quarantine" from March 15 until April 14 after a surge of COVID-19 cases there.

On Saturday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced that Metro Manila will be placed under curfew from 8:00 p.m. local time until 5:00 a.m. local time for the duration of the lockdown from March 15 until April 14.

(CGTN)