The UAAP announced Saturday that it will try to work for "alternative formats" of competition for its seniors division to begin no earlier than Friday, May 1st, if the coronavirus situation improves.
The order means that the regular double round robin format shall be scrapped, to be replaced by a yet-to-be announced format, only if the government decides to lift the suspension of classes by April 14 and mass gatherings are allowed again.
It was made to adhere to the recent directive of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to place the National Capital Region under a "community quarantine" for a month.
Among those banned in the order are sporting events, which fall under the umbrella of public gatherings.
"We will continue to coordinate with lead government agencies to determine the protocols for the safety of everyone in or connected with the UAAP community," said UAAP President Emmanuel Fernandez of Ateneo.
"The situation continues to rapidly evolve. This reminds us that we a part of a broader society and that this is not just a sporting issue, but a public health issue with global implications," the statement added.
"The UAAP intends to do the greater good, for the greater number, without disregarding the hard work of its coaches and student athletes."
It also ordered sporting events in the juniors' level which are pending or set to begin as cancelled. Thus, the girls' basketball series between UST and Adamson, which is tied at 1-1, will not be continued, and instead will be crowned as co-champions.
The local NCAA had postponed the rest of Season 95 due to the scare while US NCAA nixed their much-awaited collegiate basketball tournament, March Madness.
Last Friday, the Philippine Sports Commission also made an announcement that it be closing its facilities until the quarantine is lifted on April 14.
As of posting time, 98 persons have been infected by the disease while eight have died.
Coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, 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 for coronavirus, 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.