Batangas confirms 2 COVID-19 cases, suspends classes in all levels

The provincial government of Batangas on Friday announced two confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a statement, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas said he received news of the first case from the Batangas Provincial Health Office.  The second case was also confirmed within the day.

However, Mandanas did not give further details about the patients or if they were already among the 52 confirmed cases announced by health authorities on Thursday, according to a dzBB's Manny Vargas.

FLASH REPORT: Batangas City, may dalawang kumpirmadong kaso na ng COVID-19, ayon kay Batangas Province Governor Hermilando Mandanas . | via @VargasMannysen pic.twitter.com/EAmwz0hi0I

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) March 13, 2020

The governor also suspended classes in all levels in the province starting from Friday, March until the end of March over the COVID-19 threat.

"Subalit, hindi maaring itigil ang palilinkod ng mga nasa Pamahalaan, kaya sundin ang mga pag-uutos ng Pangulo, at iba pag pambansang kagawaran, lalo na ang Civil Service," the governor said.

The Civil Service Commission has issued guidelines on alternative work arrangements for government workers amid the public health emergency in the country.

Mandanas also reminded the residents to keep their calm and pray amid the virus scare.

"[T]ayo sa Batangas ay handa at kakayaning harapin ang sakuna ito, kapares na rin ng ating ginagawang pangangalaga dahil naman sa pagputok ng Taal Volcano at pagsisimula ng African Swine Fever sa Bayan ng Laurel," he said.

The Philippines on Thursday raised Code Red Sub-Level 2 amid the COVID-19 threat.

Meanwhile, health authorities on Thursday evening announced three more deaths due to the virus, bringing the total tally of fatalities to five. — MDM/LDF, GMA News