Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte decreed on Sunday that the Covid-19 countermeasures in Metro Manila would be eased to modified enhanced community quarantine from April 12 to April 30.

But casinos – including the large-scale private-sector resorts in Entertainment City – will remain closed, a step that had coincided with the more restrictive enhanced community quarantine.

Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal are also covered by the newly-eased quarantine conditions.

But even with the amendment of conditions, casinos, horse racing events, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery and betting shops, and other gaming establishments – except for the draws conducted by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office – are to remain shut down.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Mr Duterte made the decision to ease the quarantine terms due to a greater number of public and private-sector hospitals making a commitment to provide rooms and beds dedicated to Covid-19 patients.

But Mr Roque added that the country’s leader said a common nighttime curfew from 8pm to 5am the following day would remain in place until mayors and governors had agreed on modified hours.

Editing by Rachel Hu