Philippines’ fresh coronavirus lockdown maroons dozens at airport, broke and helpless
- Many from the country’s provinces are trying to leave the virus hotspot of Manila after the pandemic took away their livelihoods
- Coronavirus cases in the Philippines have surged past 100,000 – a fivefold increase from June when the last lockdown ended
More than 27 million people in the capital and four surrounding provinces were given 24-hours notice of the new restrictions that have shut many businesses, halted public transport and grounded flights as the government struggled against a Covid-19 surge.
Struggling to survive on part-time factory work after the first lockdown in March crippled the economy and stripped millions of their jobs, Damaso had decided to leave Manila.
With nowhere else to stay, he arrived at the airport on Saturday with two former colleagues and was supposed to fly home Tuesday to the southern city of Zamboanga.
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Hundreds stranded at Manila airport as Philippines returns to Covid-19 lockdown
Now, he is stuck at the terminal, where staff wearing white protective suits, face shields and masks deal with the stranded passengers.
