5 more Bicol towns suspend classes due to COVID-19

LEGAZPI CITY — Five more towns in Catanduanes and Camarines Norte have declared suspension of classes at all levels in both public and private schools due to the COVID-19 threat.

In Catanduanes, Mayor Peter Cua of San Andres said classes will be suspended starting March 16 to reduce the exposure of students, teachers, and the community.

In Virac town, Mayor Sinforoso Sarmiento Jr. said classes will also be suspended on March 16.

Resumption of classes in the said towns was not specified.

In Camarines Norte, Mayor Donovan Mancenido of Talisay town ordered the suspension of classes from March 16 to 29, as a precautionary measure against COVID-19 transmission and to enable school authorities to implement stringent measures to eliminate the threat of the disease.

The police were advised to conduct regular patrol and monitoring of students in computer shops and other public places.

The owners of computer shops and other similar establishments were encouraged to refuse admission of students and young adults in their area if only for gaming and leisure purposes.

In Basud town, also in Camarines Norte, Mayor Adrian Davoco also declared suspension of classes from March 14 to 29.

All village officials and school heads were directed to make sure students will stay in their respective houses.

In Daet, Joan Kristine Tabernilla-De Luna, the municipal administrator, announced Sunday via a Facebook post that classes in all levels will also be suspended on March 16.

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus or SARS-CoV-2, which outbreak started in China’s Wuhan City in Hube province in late 2019.

The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic as it has infected more than 150,000 people and killed over 5,000 all over the world. The Philippines has so far confirmed 140 people with COVID-19, including 11 deaths.