UpdateMANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has placed the entire Philippines under a state of calamity in an attempt to contain the 2019 coronavirus disease or COVID-19 which has sickened over 180 people. ADVERTISEMENTDuterte signed Proclamation 929 on Monday, declaring a state of calamity in the entire country for a period of six months “unless earlier lifted or extended as circumstances may warrant.”Duterte’s declaration will allow local government units (LGUs) to access quick response funds during emergency situations. He also placed the entire Luzon island under “enhanced community quarantine,” shutting down public transportation and strictly enforcing home quarantine. To date, the Philippines has 187 people infected with COVID-19, including 12 deaths and four recoveries. For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 17, 2020 10:33 UTC