MANILA, Philippines — Media giant ABS-CBN has temporarily stopped the staging of live entertainment shows and production of its “teleseryes” following the increase in cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 which the World Health Organization now considers as a pandemic.
“ABS-CBN is temporarily suspending the staging of its live entertainment shows and production of its teleseryes starting Sunday in compliance of the government’s declaration of community quarantine and ban on mass gatherings to contain the spread of COVID-19,” read the statement.
ABS-CBN announces the temporary suspension of the staging of its live entertainment shows and production of its teleseryes. Read ABS-CBN's full statement: pic.twitter.com/uM8AwhPRaf
— ABS-CBN PR (@ABSCBNpr) March 13, 2020
On Thursday, the Philippine government placed Metro Manila under community quarantine after the health department reported evidence of community transmission.
Suspending the staging and production of live television shows and “teleserye” shoots will ensure the safety and welfare of its employees, ABS-CBN said.
The TV network will however still air its other well-loved shows amid the coronavirus disease outbreak.
To date, the Philippines has 64 confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which, five ended in deaths. COVID- 19, a respiratory disease which is caused by a new coronavirus.
The new coronavirus causes mild symptoms but it can also cause serious illness such as pneumonia for older people and those with other health issues.