* Philippines records 7,103 new Covid-19 infections
* Government scales back operating capacity of businesses
* Russia's Sputnik V vaccine approved for emergency use Moderna, J&J make inquiries about approval: FDA chief
The Philippines recorded 7,103 new coronavirus cases on Friday, a record daily increase in infections, as authorities tightened coronavirus curbs in the capital and approved Russia's Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use.
A new wave of cases in the Philippines, which has the second highest number of Covid-19 infections and deaths in Southeast Asia, is threatening hopes of a strong economic rebound after a record contraction last year and the loss of millions of jobs.
The health ministry said there were now 648,066 confirmed coronavirus cases and 12,900 deaths, including 13 more fatalities on Friday.
‘The ministry continues to appeal for us to stay home and avoid going out if not necessary,’ it said. The previous record was 6,958 cases on Aug. 10.
The latest outbreak is again concentrated on the congested Manila region, and includes the more transmissible variants.
The coronavirus task force on Friday reduced the number allowed at religious gatherings and conferences to 30% of capacity from the previous 50% until April 4.
It also ordered cinemas, driving schools, libraries, museums and cockfighting arenas to close.
The Philippines' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday approved the Sputnik V vaccine developed by Russia's Gamaleya Institute.
It is the fourth to get emergency use authorisation after Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Sinovac.
‘The known and potential benefits of the Gamaleya Sputnik V vaccine...outweigh the known and potential risks,’ FDA chief Rolando Enrique Domingo said, adding that interim data showed the vaccine had an efficacy of 91.6% in age groups 18 and older.
US vaccine makers Moderna and Johnson & Johnson have made inquiries about the documents needed for emergency use approval but have yet to file applications, Domingo said.
The Philippines launched its inoculation drive on March 1 and has received delivery of 1.125 million donated doses of the Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines.
The government plans to roll out 140.5 million shots by December, to inoculate 70 million adults in a bid to achieve herd immunity.
