Primewater offers 30-day extension for bills payment

MANILA, Philippines — Primewater has offered a 30-day grace period for water bill payments following the implementation of an “enhanced community quarantine” in the entire island of Luzon due to the threat of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In an advisory, the Villar-owned water firm also assured its customers of “adequate supply of clean, potable water.”

Paolo Villar-led PrimeWater offers 30-day grace period for water bill payments. | @Philbizwatcher pic.twitter.com/die41K9eLq

— Inquirer Business (@InquirerBiz) March 17, 2020

“Having a constant supply of clean water is a non-negotiable in helping fight the spread of COVID-19, and Primewater is committed to doing its part to defeat the virus,” Primewater said.

The Villar family owns Prime Water Infrastructure Corporation which has taken over a string of local water utilities in provinces and cities.

President Rodrigo Duterte has placed the entire island of Luzon under “enhanced community quarantine” as COVID-19 confirmed cases continue to rise in the country.

Under an enhanced community quarantine, “strict home quarantine shall be implemented in all households; transportation shall be suspended; provision for food and essential services shall be regulated; and heightened presence of uniformed personnel to enforce quarantine procedures will be implemented.”

As of date, the Philippines has recorded a total of 187 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 12 deaths.

The virus, which was first detected in Hubei, China, causes mild symptoms such as fever and cough for most people but can cause serious illness such as pneumonia for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems.

To prevent infection, authorities are urging people to practice regular hand washing, cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and avoid close contact with those who show respiratory symptoms.