Updated 7:17 p.m.MANILA, Philippines — The possibility of a lockdown in certain parts of Metro Manila to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was discussed in a meeting of some officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Thursday afternoon. The agenda of the conference according to the notice read: “Lockdown in certain areas in NCR relative to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019).”Licup confirmed that the document is genuine. The source explained that a lockdown in parts of Metro Manila – where the bulk of cases of the coronavirus disease has been confirmed – is a possible intervention measure of the government in case the number of COVID-19 positive patients increases. ADVERTISEMENTHe added it is up to President Rodrigo Duterte through the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Disease to order a lockdown. Up to 40,000 police officers will be deployed to enforce lockdown in Metro Manila should it be declared by the President, according to PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 12, 2020 08:37 UTC