DOTr issues apology for 'Thank you Coronavirus' post

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday released an apology for a social media post that thanked the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has already killed 25 and hit at least 380 individuals in the country so far.

In a statement, the DOTr said the post was meant to "provide an enlightening and awakening narrative into this pandemic."

"We acknowledge that not all of our audience appreciate the underlying message of the poem and video, and we understand that some view it as an insensitive act. For that, we sincerely apologize," the statement read.

Earlier on Monday, the DOTr posted on social media video of Polish vocalist and writer Riya Sokol, with a caption that thanked COVID-19.

"THANK YOU CORONAVIRUS. Thank you for shaking us and showing we're dependent on something much bigger than we think," the post read.

In its statement, the DOTr said the video was shared as it teaches to appreciate "what really matters."

"The poem and video has gone viral because it presents a different perspective, one which gives humanity a reflective pause and appreciate what really matters in our lives," it said.

"We have decided to delete the post altogether in both our Facebook and Twitter accounts, as a prudent move to avoid confusion," added the DOTr.

As of Sunday, March 22, there were a total of 380 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines, with the death toll at 25.

From 12 a.m. on March 17, the entirety of Luzon was placed on enhanced community quarantine until April 12, 2020, restricting travel within the region in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.

For its part, the Philippine economic team earlier rolled out a P27.1-billion package to help contain the spread of COVID-19 and to provide economic relief to businesses affected by the threat.

Bulk of the amount, equivalent to P14 billion, will be used for programs of the Department of Tourism (DOT), said to be the "most affected." --KBK, GMA News