MAYORS in Metro Manila again adjusted curfew hours to 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. in a bid to stop further transmission of the Delta variant of Sars-CoV-2, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Benhur Abalos said the lengthened curfew hours aim to limit the movement of the people.

"Since the Delta variant spreads exponentially, we should not let our guard down and implement necessary restrictions to contain the virus,” he said.

Metro Manila was reverted to general community quarantine with heightened restrictions on July 23. This more restrictive quarantine level will last until July 31, 2021.

Health authorities have so far detected 64 Delta variant cases in the Philippines, including 17 cases announced on Saturday, July 24.

Of the 17, 12 are local cases, one is a returning overseas Filipino (ROF) and four are under verification.

Of the 12 local cases, nine have indicated addresses in the National Capital Region (Metro Manila) while three are from Calabarzon.

Also placed under GCQ with heightened restrictions are Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, which were previously under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) until the end of July. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo / SunStar Philippines)