Manila | The Philippine President announced on Thursday that domestic travel to and from metropolitan Manila will be suspended for a month and authorised sweeping quarantines in the crowded capital to fight the new coronavirus.

President Rodrigo Duterte also banned large gatherings in the metropolis, suspended most government work in the executive department and extended the suspension of school classes by a month in new restrictions announced in a nationwide TV address. Domestic travel by land, air and sea to and from the capital region will be suspended starting Sunday.

AAP