Manila, Philippines – Given President Rodrigo Duterte’s public address regarding measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country, the National Museum of the Philippines, including all its affiliated museums, shall be closed to the public starting today, 13 March 2020, until further notice.
“All previously-advertised or programmed public events and activities are likewise postponed until further notice,” the National Museum of the Philippines said in a statement.
“We’re sorry for this inconvenience, and thank you for understanding.”
The National Museum of the Philippines, a cultural institution, aims to preserve, exhibit, and foster scholar studies and appreciation of the art, cultural, and historical artifacts depicting the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage. It manages the National Museum Complex and National Planetarium in downtown Manila, and its network of at least 19 regional museums across the archipelago.
The announcement came just hours after President Duterte delivered his public address on measures to combat COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by a new virus that’s spreading quickly in many countries.
These measures include maintaining social distance and imposing community quarantine in Metro Manila in the next 30 days. All classes are also suspended until 12 April 2020, and large public gatherings are prohibited, among others.
The Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed at least 52 people have contracted the disease.
Photo: Oliver Oliveros