Philippines posts record daily Covid-19 cases, approves Russian vaccine

A resident holds his nose and portable radio as he tries to avoid disinfectants sprayed in the neighborhood as a precaution against the spread of Covid-19 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 20 (Reuters): The Philippines recorded 7,103 new coronavirus cases on Friday (March 19), a record daily increase in infections, as authorities tightened coronavirus curbs in the capital and approved Russia's Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use.

A new wave of cases in the Philippines, which has the second highest number of Covid-19 infections and deaths in Southeast Asia, is threatening hopes of a strong economic rebound after a record contraction last year and the loss of millions of jobs.