(UPDATED 1 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines – The UAAP on Tuesday announced it is suspending all its scheduled sports events, including the ongoing Season 82 volleyball tournament, until March 17 due to the COVID-19 threat.
The league initially announced the suspension of games until March 14, in reaction to President Duterte declaring a State of Public Health Emergency in the country. But by 1 p.m. Tuesday, the UAAP said it is extending the suspension to March 17.
JUST IN: UAAP extends suspension of games to March 17. Another update will be issued on March 16 clarifying plans for the rest of Season 82. pic.twitter.com/gJpRtnETGt
— Philstar Sports Hub (@StarSportsHub) March 10, 2020
The President on Monday night also suspended classes in all levels in Metro Manila until March 14.
Apart from volleyball, UAAP tournaments that are affected include football, softball, baseball and high school girls' basketball.
"After the suspension, the league would take it day-by-day, depending on the government and its agencies," the UAAP said in a press statement.
"In the meantime, the President and the league are calling all of the students to 'be confined in their homes and continue to study,'" it added.
Earlier, UAAP’s rival league NCAA announced it is postponing its games until further notice. The country’s oldest collegiate sports tournament even said it is mulling an outright cancelation of the ongoing Season 95.
As of posting time, the Philippines has a total of 24 COVID-19 cases.