Negros Oriental gov suspends classes due to COVID-19

Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo suspended classes in all levels, public and private, from March 13 to 17 to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The suspension was formalized by Executive Order No. 17 and prompted by the national increase in locally transmitted cases and President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of a State of Public Health Emergency.

This decision followed the confirmation of a COVID-19 positive patient, a 62-year-old councilor from Tayasan town who had traveled to Manila for a Philippine Councilor's League meeting.

The patient, who is reportedly fighting for his life, remains in serious condition at the hospital, contrary to rumors of his death.

The Philippine National Police has been directed to ensure students stay home during the class suspension, with parents or guardians urged to keep their wards at home.

Seven more persons under monitoring (PUMs) were added, bringing the total to 20, with new PUMs having travel history from Hong Kong, South Korea, and China.

Three other patients under investigation (PUIs) are improving, and four family members of the confirmed case are being medically observed and tested.

The provincial health office is coordinating with hospitals to prepare isolation rooms in anticipation of a potential increase in PUIs.