The Philippines will expand tighter Covid-19 rules to include four provinces surrounding the capital Manila, and restrict travel to and from these areas for two weeks beginning on Monday, as the country battles a renewed surge in infections.

The restrictions currently in effect in Metropolitan Manila will also be imposed in the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, including night curfews and the prohibition of mass gatherings, said presidential spokesman Harry Roque.

The Philippines has recorded 7,757 additional Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the second-highest single-day increase in the Southeast Asian nation and marks the third straight day that confirmed new cases topped 7,000.