The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) announced they will postpone the kickoff of the Philippines Football League (PFL) 2020 season from March 21 to a tentative date of April 18 due to the spread of COVID-19.
The announcement was made in light of the issuance of Resolution no. 11 by the Government's Inter-Agency Task Force of Energing Infectious Disease last night. The resolution includes provisions placing the National Capital Region (NCR) under 'community quarantine' and prohibited mass gatherings.
In a statement issued by football's local governing body, the postponement was made with the welfare of all the stakeholders in mind.
"Utmost priority must be accorded to the safety, health, and welfare of the players, coaching staff, match officials, sponsors, and others who are involved in the organization of the matches," the statement read.
The PFL joined the likes of other professional and collegiate sports leagues in the country in either postponing or cancelling their seasons in light of the spread of COVID-19.
Six teams - Ceres Negros, Kaya FC-Iloilo, Global, Mendiola 1991, Stallion Laguna, and the Azkals Development Team - are set to see action in the new season.
As of posting time, there are 52 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, of which five have died. On Thursday night, President Duterte placed Metro Manila under community quarantine and banned mass gatherings from March 15 to April 14.
Officially known as COVID-19, this virus is a new strain of coronavirus that has surged around the globe in recent months. The coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious respiratory diseases.
Flu is caused by a different virus. There is no vaccine yet for COVID-19, though researchers are working on one and hope to begin testing soon. Older people, especially those with chronic illnesses such as heart or lung disease, are most at risk.
The coronavirus spreads mainly through coughs and sneezes, though it also can be transferred from surfaces. The best way to prevent infection is by frequent hand-washing, cleaning surfaces with regular household sprays and wipes, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.