UPDATE: President Duterte addresses current status of Philippines on COVID-19

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte addressed the public on the issue of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) at Malacañang Palace, Thursday, March 12.

Photo Courtesy: Clarize Ghale Amboya

In the statement, the president highlighted in its live telecast on the television and online that the Code Alert System of COVID-19 would be raised to Code Red Sub-Level 2 in Metro Manila.

This prohibits land, air and sea travel ban to and from the Metro Manila from March 15 until April 14, 2020.

Class suspension in Metro Manila (NCR) will forgo until April 12, 2020, while the class suspension for the outer part sectors of Metro Manila depends on the Local Government Unit.

Community Quarantine would also be implemented within Metro Manila and Municipality or City-Wide Quarantine if two or more cases are confirmed within the sectors and community.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police will be called for the implementation of the Quarantine.

"Hindi ito Martial Law"

President Rodrigo Duterte stated.

Overseas Filipino Workers are possible to travel to China.

Travellers and passengers from different countries with Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases are not allowed to enter the Philippines.

Mass public transportation shall continue operation and advised the commuters with social distancing.

As of now, According to the Department of Health (DOH), there are 52 tested and confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines.

This brings the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 as Pandemic.