President Rodrigo Duterte Suspends Classes In Metro Manila Until March 14

[UPDATE as of March 9, 2020, 10:00 p.m.] In a press briefing held at Malacañang in the evening of March 9, 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte suspended classes in all Metro Manila schools starting March 10 until March 14.

The president also announced four new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the country's total to 24.

Several local government units (LGUs) and schools had declared suspension already amid fears of the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

Original story below 

As of March 9, 2020, the Department of Health (DOH) confirmed 10 new cases of the COVID-19 in the country. That brings the country's total number of confirmed cases to 20. 

The Department of Health (DOH), on Saturday, March 7, 2020, raised the alert level to Code Red sub-level 1 due to the confirmation of local transmission of COVID-19 in the country. The DOH also said it anticipates sustained community transmission, making the disease a continuing threat in the country.

President Rodrigo Duterte, on March 8, 2020, declared a state of public health emergency upon the recommendation of the DOH. A state of public health emergency allows government agencies to implement and intensify disease control prevention measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

List of class suspensions as of March 9

As mentioned in the above update, all classes in Metro Manila have now been suspended until March 14.

Following the confirmation of local transmission of COVID-19 in or near their respective locations, several LGUs declared 'no classes' today, March 9. The suspension of classes gives government offices, public and private schools, workplaces, and establishments time to sanitize and disseminate information and best practices guidelines to prevent the further spread of the virus.

Students who had no classes today, March 9, include Navotas and San Juan cities, the municipality of Taytay, Rizal, and the following schools: Manila Tytana Colleges in Pasay City, Trinity University of Asia and Bagong Lipunan Crame Elementary School and High School, both in Quezon City. They resume classes tomorrow, March 10.

Class suspensions until tomorrow, March 10 (Tuesday)

Pasay City

Assumption College

Cainta, Rizal

Montalban, Rizal

Class suspensions until Wednesday, March 11 (Wednesday)

Marikina City

Caloocan City (no classes from March 10 and 11; daycare centers classes are canceled for the rest of the school year)

Class suspensions until Wednesday, March 13 (Friday)

San Mateo, Rizal

Class suspensions until Wednesday, March 14 (Saturday)

St Therese's College, in Quezon City

Cavite

Class suspensions until March 15 (Sunday)

Manila City

Class suspensions until March 18 (Wednesday)

Ateneo de Manila University (no classes starting March 12) 

DOH has also announced the suspension of national and regional events involving students. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the class suspensions are upon the discretion of local chief executives but advised to consult the department's expert panel on class cancellations.

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