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MANILA, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines reported on Tuesday 45 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to 187.

The Department of Health said that so far four patients have recovered.

The number of deaths in the Philippines remains at 12.

The announcement came a day after the Philippines placed the entire Luzon island, including Metro Manila, under a lockdown to curb the local transmission of the deadly disease.

The objective of the 30-day "enhanced community quarantine" is to keep the people out of the streets and make them stay at home. Travel restrictions are also being implemented in the whole island.