Philippines confirms three more deaths from coronavirus, 552 new cases

A bus driver sits behind a makeshift barrier to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), on the first day of the Philippine capital's gradual reopening since the lockdown two months ago, in Manila, Philippines, June 1, 2020. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

The Philippine health ministry on Monday reported three new deaths and 552 more confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

In a bulletin, the ministry said total deaths increased to 960 and confirmed cases reached 18,638, of which 3,979 have recovered.

The government on Monday eased strict quarantine measures in the capital, allowing millions of people to return to work and partially restart the virus-ravaged economy.

(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Martin Petty)