Philippine capital Manila back in lockdown over Delta fears

Policemen check documents of motorists travelling from nearby Rizal province at a border checkpoint in Quezon City, suburban Manila on August 6, 2021, after authorities imposed another lockdown in the metropolis due to the threat of the Delta variant of Covid-19. - AFP

MMANILA, Aug 6, 2021 (AFP): The Philippine capital Manila returned to lockdown Friday as authorities sought to slow the spread of the hyper-contagious Delta variant and ease pressure on hospitals while trying to avoid crushing economic activity.

Police checkpoints across the National Capital Region, where more than 13 million people live, caused long queues as officers in camouflage uniforms inspected vehicles to ensure only essential workers were on the road.