Tacloban mayor suspends classes over COVID-19 threat

Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez has suspended classes in all levels for both public and private schools from March 13 to March 20 as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The mayor cited the risk to the city's 100,000 students and the need for schools to formulate preventive measures and infection control systems.

School officials are also ordered to disinfect their premises, and barangay officials are asked to assist with thermal scanners and monitoring of travelers.

Mayor Romualdez expressed concern about students' vulnerability while commuting and eating outside, as well as their travel from various provinces.

The suspension is also in anticipation of potential class extensions in the National Capital Region, which could lead students to return to their provinces.

He urged establishments to exercise caution as students might visit malls or computer shops during the suspension.

While not considering a city lockdown, the mayor acknowledged the potential economic impact of the class suspension.

Tacloban is monitoring a patient under investigation (PUI) who is a teacher exhibiting symptoms and whose husband works in Europe.