UP Film Institute suspends all public events indefinitely amid COVID-19 scare

The University of the Philippines Film Institute has suspended all public events until further notice amid the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In an advisory Tuesday, the UP Film Institute said that Cinemalibre, Sinemaestra Masterclasses, Daang Dokyu: A Festival of Documentaries, Indo-Ph Cultural Festival and Sinag Maynila 2020 will all be postponed indefinitely.

The announcement came after President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of public health emergency and ordered to suspend classes this week in all levels amid the increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country.

"This is to comply with the general public health protocol to observe social distancing and avoid large-crowd gathering in order to ensure public health and safety," UPFI said in a statement.

UP Diliman chancellor Fidel Nemenzo also ordered to call off all big events on campus amid the ongoing threat.

The UP Film Institute also reminded the public to standby for further announcements on the resumption of normal operations.

"We encourage everyone to stay safe, informed and healthy as we look forward to having you once again when the programs of the Film Center resume."

The number of confirmed COVID-19 patients in the country reached 33 on Tuesday, the Department of Health said. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/MGP, GMA News