Why the Philippines' long lockdowns couldn't contain covid-19

The Philippines has been under some form of lockdown or strict quarantine for 17 continuous months, yet it finds itself with thousands of cases a day. Patricia Denise M Chiu asks why. In August 2020, the Philippines, already under quarantine measures involving shuttered businesses, enforced curfew hours, and limited access to basic supplies, was at a crossroads. Overwhelmed by quickly filling intensive care units amid rising cases of covid-19, the country’s healthcare workforce had had enough.