The Philippines have some of the world's most overcrowded prisons, a situation made worse by President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. Health authorities say more than a thousand health workers have been infected, with 26 dead, including 19 doctors.
Some 10,702 cases have been reported with 240 deaths. People must observe basic health rules to avoid contagion, including social distancing. Each community will have to pick a manager to ensure compliance with prevention measures. Concern for the economy remain as GDP growth slows to 1.3 per cent.
The Archbishop of Yangon backs the pontiff and the UN secretary general who have called for an end to armed conflicts to save people from the pandemic. The prelate calls on Myanmar’s military and armed ethnic militias to favour dialogue and openness to avoid a health catastrophe. Military action by anyone will destroy the country. The cardinal slams China’s Communist Party.
The coronavirus has re-launched "human and social solidarity" in fighting "for our common home". Christians distribute aid to Muslims, solidarity without religious distinctions. Thousands of people follow mass every evening broadcast through the patriarchate's social media. Best wishes to Muslims for the beginning of Ramadan.
Every afternoon, volunteers (ex-students) distribute 300 lunch packets to migrants and destitute people on the streets of Bandra, at the railway station and at a bus stand. “The orphanage is for destitute and orphaned children, so our children learn to share with others.”
The measures to contain the epidemic are valid until 7 May: social distancing, ban on gatherings with more than four people, closure of entertainment venues such as bars, hairdressers, karaoke, etc. The pro-Beijing union FTU agrees with the police. The democratic union, CTU, says it can guarantee distances. Fears that the police will use coronavirus as an excuse to "ban" freedoms.