MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is suspending work in all of its offices on Friday, March 13, amid the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country. “This is a precautionary measure against the further spread of the virus as confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to rise,” the agency said in a statement on Thursday. To date, the Philippines has recorded a total of 49 confirmed cases, including one case in the Visayas and another case in Mindanao. READ: Coronavirus cases in PH soar to 49; 16 new patients recordedREAD: First coronavirus cases recorded in Mindanao, Visayas — DOHSo far, two persons — a Chinese national and one Filipino — infected with COVID-19 have died. The confirmed cases prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to sign a proclamation declaring a state of public health emergency in the country.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 12, 2020 02:37 UTC