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The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) scare in the Philippines has entered the gates of schools in Metro Manila as classes are suspended and students are currently banned from public places to prevent further spread of infection.

Image source: Stanley Morales / Pexels

On March 7, the Department of Health (DOH) raised the alert level for COVID-19 to “Code Red” after the first case of local transmission. Then on March 8, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Proclamation 922 which declares a public health emergency over the increasing confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

On the evening of March 9, Duterte ordered cancellation of classes in all levels in Metro Manila from March 10 to 14 as preventive measures for students. Some classes in other areas were also suspended today, March 10.

With that, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año noted that students are not allowed in public places.

According to a report from GMA News Online, Año said in a press statement that “The President has directed all local officials in NCR from mayor down to punong barangays as well as all the units of the Philippine National Police to ensure that no children are seen loitering around and, if they are seen, they are to be immediately sent home to do their homework.”

The Interior Secretary also advises parents to discipline and supervise their children and that the Department of Education will give homework to keep the students productive while classes are still suspended.

Here are the other cancelled events and festivals in the Philippines due to COVID-19:

• Cancelled and Postponed Concerts, Shows and Meet and Greets Due to the COVID-19 Scare
• Festivals in the Philippines that are canceled, moved due to coronavirus