GMA Kapuso Foundation cancels assistance program due to COVID-19

GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) announced on Thursday the temporary suspension of its free medical aid clinic in accordance with health advisories directing the cancelation of mass gatherings amid the COVID-19.

The foundation suspended "Bisig Bayan", its medical assistance program which provides free medicine and laboratory procedures for patients from public hospitals every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

"It is not advisable for the sick to gather in one place which increases the risk of contamination and spreading of viruses," GMAKF said in a statement.

"Safeguarding the public's health is our priority and we are complying with government efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19," it added

Confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 cases climbed to 49 on Tuesday.

Senators and other government officials have also decided to undergo self-quarantine after being exposed to a confirmed case. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News