PSC puts major sports facilities on 'restricted access' amid COVID-19 threat

The Philippine Sports Commission has placed its major sports facilities on "restricted access" due to concerns over the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a press release, the PSC said that the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City will be vacated as part of its prevention plan.

All bookings and reservations for use of the facilities are also revoked or cancelled, per the advisory signed by PSC Officer-in-charge Commissioner Celia Kiram.

“We have to be pro-active in this situation and take these hard decisions for the safety of our athletes and employees,” said PSC Chairman William Ramirez.

National athletes living in the dorms have been requested to go home except for those who are competing in Olympic qualifying tournaments.

Foreign travel for athletes, coaches, officials, and staff is also suspended from March 14 to April 14 to lower the risk of catching the illness.

"Only those who get an endorsement to proceed from Olympics Chef de Mission Nonong Araneta will be allowed to travel overseas," Ramirez said.

Those who will be returning from competition will be sent home or they can opt to stay for 14 days at the RMSC North Tower for "preventive rest and monitoring." —MGP, GMA News