Ease in Manila after 78 days, it was world's longest COVID-19 lockdown

Thousands of people returned to work and the public transport was back on the Manila roads on Monday as the government began relaxing the 78-day strict stay-at-home orders – the longest lockdown in the world – to restart the economy of the Philippines.

The government allowed the opening of more non-essential services even as the COVID-19 infection curve continues to rise across the country,



reports Efe news.

Almost all establishments were allowed to open – except beauty salons, barbershops, and massage parlours. However, restaurants can only offer takeaways.

"As more sectors and industries begin to operate, let us continue cooperating with authorities in enforcing quarantine protocols," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement on Sunday evening.