Philippines sees limited economic impact from virus surge, says senior official

A worker wearing a protective suit disinfects a village as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus in Manila, Philippines on Monday, March 15, 2021. The Department of Health has been reporting a surge in infections for more than a week, adding to concerns over a sluggish start of a vaccination campaign that has faced supply problems and public reluctance. - AP

MANILA, March 15 (Bloomberg): The Philippines’ renewed surge in coronavirus infections will have limited impact on the economy as authorities impose localized lockdowns and as vaccinations pick up, Economic Planning Secretary Karl Chua said.

The South-East Asian nation, which will likely remain in recession this quarter, has to manage the spike in cases without reinstating stricter movement curbs which will hurt jobs, Chua said in a mobile-phone reply to questions.