The Philippines’ fierce lockdown drags on, despite uncertain benefits
Enforcement has been vigorous but patchy
“I’M CONSTANTLY AFRAID that we will get infected,” frets Diverson Bloso, “We don’t have money to bring us to the hospital, in case that happened.” A messenger at a printing press in Quezon City, part of Manila’s sprawl, he prays he keeps his job. His boss told workers that the business might have to close because of quarantine measures to stop the spread of covid-19. But at least Mr Bloso still has regular income. A woman who lost her job at an online casino says the restrictions have prevented her from attending interviews for new jobs. With her husband in jail, she worries about how she will pay the bills for her and her child. “It’s been terrible for me and my family,” she says.
This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline “Four months and counting”
Asia July 11th 2020
- Infections in India are soaring, but increased testing will help
- South Korea is rethinking its efforts to spread the wealth
- Democracy activists fleeing Hong Kong present a dilemma for Taiwan
- Australia’s second city faces a new wave of contagion
- The Philippines’ fierce lockdown drags on, despite uncertain benefits
- Why has the pandemic spared the Buddhist parts of South-East Asia?
From the July 11th 2020 edition
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