"Africa is in the midst of a full-blown third wave. The sobering trajectory of surging cases should rouse everyone into urgent action," said the World Health Organization.

Public appetite for imported cars returned in May, a hopeful sign that consumer spending is on the mend as lockdowns relax.

From January 1 to April 2021, there were 21,478 reported cases of the mosquito-borne disease—a 56% drop from the cases recorded in the same period in 2020.

Malaya reminded the public to "be more disciplined" in following rules that he said were "meant to protect them and their families." 

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, who co-chairs the IATF, said the task force will tackle the government’s policy on wearing face shields in a meeting this afternoon.