MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday belied reports on social media that it has been ordered to enforce a lockdown on Metro Manila over the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat. PNP Director for Police Community Relations Maj. Gen. Benigno Durana Jr. clarified that only the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) can issue a lockdown order in cases of public health emergencies. ADVERTISEMENT“Contrary to some reports circulating in the social media, please be advised that the PNP has not issued any order for a lockdown in the NCR,” Durana told reporters in a text message. To date, there are 49 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, with two deaths. READ: Duterte declares state of public health emergency over coronavirusThe International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses has identified the new coronavirus as SARS-CoV-2.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 12, 2020 08:48 UTC