Duterte suspends classes in Metro Manila from March 10 to 14, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday ordered the suspension of classes in all levels in Metro Manila from March 10 to 14 amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Duterte said the purpose of the suspension is to keep the children safe.

Duterte, however, rejected proposals to suspend government work in light of the COVID-19 threat.

“You know, government has to function. We need all, at least now, we need all,” he said.

The President said he tasked barangay chairmen and policemen to ensure that children stay at home during the suspension of classes.

Class suspensions for Tuesday, March 10, 2020

“[It would] somehow reduce the number of the victims, if we keep our children sequestered at home and study there,” he said.

“Secretary of Education, si [Leonor] Briones, has insisted that they would stay home but study, and we have agreed that DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government] at ang pulis will supervise as truant officers,” he added.

The President also said that the country will get through the health emergency.

“I am confident we will survive this contagion,” he told reporters in Malacañang. — BM, GMA News