MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Coronavirus infections have surged past 1 million in the Philippines, as officials assess whether to extend a monthlong lockdown in the Manila region amid a deadly spike or relax it to fight joblessness and hunger. Infections spiked last month to some of the worst levels in Asia, prompting President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration to reimpose a lockdown in the Manila region, the country’s financial and commercial hub. Several hospitals report being overwhelmed, with new COVID-19 patients waiting in hospital driveways, ambulances and cars. A presidential spokesperson says Cabinet officials and medical experts are to meet Tuesday to recommend whether to continue the lockdown and Duterte may announce a decision on Wednesday.
