March 15 was the first day of the Metro Manila-wide community quarantine imposed by the government. Its aim is to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, but government also admitted that it would only be successful if everyone would cooperate.
The following photos show the situation around Metro Manila as residents prepare for the month-long community quarantine and impending curfew amid the rise in cases of COVID-19 in the country.
The lockdown started at 12:01 a.m. on March 15 with military personnel dispatched to secure Metro Manila.
As the day progressed, we woke up to what seems like the result of an exodus. Very few people could be seen in the groceries, roads, or even churches.
Social distancing: People lined up early in the morning at the entrance of a local grocery in Marikina, separated by lines marking the distance they should observe from each other. Here's a scene at E. Rodriguez Avenue near St. Lukes. This photo was taken at 11 a.m. on March 15.
Traffic was visibly minimal at the intersection at EDSA near SM North. This photo was taken at around 11 a.m. this morning.
Few motorists ply the Alabang to Sucat interchange.
The usually busy and impassable Sucat Road is uncharacteristically empty at 12 p.m.
One store is working double time on the first day of lockdown as people flock for medicines and other medical supplies.
A supermarket has few customers on the first day of lockdown. This photo was taken at 12 p.m. on March 15 at a Shopwise supermarket in Paranaque.
This Robinsons Supermarket in B.F. Homes almost has no customers.
Churches are empty on Sunday, March 15 as the Catholic Church implements stringent measures on social distancing.
On Katipunan early in the morning, people are also taking precautionary measures against COVID-19 by staying home.
You can count the cars on Quirino Highway in Quezon City. Photo taken at 4 p.m.
Cruising on the Guadalupe Bridge at rush hour is a rare experience like in this photo taken at 4 p.m. on March 15.
A man on a kick-scooter takes advantage of the vacant road in Guadalupe.
These tunnels along EDSA-Ayala have never seen a carless day.
Situation at EDSA corner Ayala Avenue on March 15, 4 p.m.
The notorious bottleneck at EDSA-Buendia is passable today at 4:00 p.m.
It's a sad reality that we should experience these things. We are living in unprecedented times, and everyone's cooperation is imperative for us to win in the fight against COVID-19. This photo of EDSA's southbound lane was taken at around 4:00 p.m. on March 15.
*This story originally appeared on Esquiremag.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
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