UAAP extends suspension of events until March 17

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines has extended the suspension of all Season 82 events until March 17 amid the ongoing threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The UAAP board of managing directors announced the development on Tuesday to give everyone concerned ample time to adjust to the situation regarding COVID-19.

"In an emergency meeting, the UAAP Board of Managing Directors unanimously decided to extend the suspension of all UAAP events until Tuesday, March 17, 2020, to give everyone concerned enough time to adjust to the current situation," UAAP said in a statement.

The UAAP added it is taking things on a "day-by-day" basis and will have another announcement on March 16 regarding the future of the league.

Earlier, Season 82 president Emmanuel Fernandez and UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag suspended all UAAP sporting events from March 10 to 14.

This came after President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of public health emergency and ordered the suspension of classes amid the increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country.

Among the events that will be affected are volleyball, football, baseball, softball, and high school girls' basketball.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) on Monday has also suspended all Season 95 events until further notice.

Duterte earlier said four new cases of COVID-19 were recorded in the country, bringing the total number to 24. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/MGP, GMA News