The Philippines extends COVID-19 state of calamity by one year

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday extended the state of calamity for one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state of calamity will now last until September 12, 2021, "unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant," according to Duterte's Proclamation No. 1021.

The Philippines' total number of COVID-19 cases surged to 279,526 after reporting 3,257 new cases on Friday.

The government has ordered the closure of all private and public cemeteries, memorial parks and columbariums nationwide from October 29 to November 4 to curb the spread of the virus during the observance of All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day.

(With input from Xinhua)