Class suspensions, work-from-home

sought amid local coronavirus cases

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 7) — Officials have called for the
suspension of classes and a work-from-home setup for employees after the
Department of Health confirmed a local transmission of the coronavirus
disease, officially known as COVID-19.

Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco said Saturday he is urging the

Department of Education to pass all students and to call off remaining
classes.

"The virus can be spread easily, especially in crowded places like schools.
In light of this, I urge DepEd to automatically grant passing grades to all
students so they do not have to attend classes anymore," said Tiangco in a
statement. 

DepEd said it will wait for the advice of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the
Management of Infectious Diseases on further action. Education Secretary
Leonor Briones is also asking guidance from DOH as two major events are
ongoing until March 15 — the National Schools Press Conference and the
National Festival of Talents.