13 March
The Philippines is taking stringent measures against the coronavirus, including suspending all domestic travel to and from the capital for one month, starting on Sunday.
The announcement comes as 52 people across the country have been confirmed to be infected with the coronavirus.
President Rodrigo Duterte announced what he called the lockdown plan Thursday evening.
He also approved shutting down schools and banning mass gatherings.
He said his government was basing its decision on recommendations from experts.
Manila is known as one of Southeast Asia's most crowded cities, with an estimated 13 million people living in the metro area.
Duterte was also tested for the coronavirus on Thursday as a precautionary measure.
He is expected to learn the results on Saturday.
NHK
