By Freddie Lazaro LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – Classes of all levels in the province of Ilocos Norte have been suspended indefinitely starting Friday, March 13, due to the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos-Manotoc issued Executive Order (EO) Number 59-20, suspending all classes in all levels in both public and private schools in the province effective March 13 until such time that the country’s risk on the transmission of COVID–19 has subsided. Manotoc said he released the order subject to further guidelines and directives that may be issued by the national government in order to prevent community transmission, minimize the movement of individuals and stop the spread of the viral disease. He also required all school heads and administrators to immediately undertake the disinfection of all classrooms and facilities while the classes are suspended. Manotoc said that the province of Ilocos Norte remains COVID-19 free. To reinforce the institutionalized preventive measures against viral disease in the province, Manotoc also released on Wednesday  Executive Order (EO) No. 58-20, requiring mandatory self-quarantine to visitors and returning residents of Ilocos Norte who traveled overseas. “We are reminding everyone who traveled from affected countries to do their part in isolating themselves for the mandatory 14 days,” said Manotoc. He assured that the provincial government was preparing and working for the protection of the Ilokanos against COVID-19, through the procurement of necessary equipment: “In our airport, the temperature scanner is still being used. We are glad that the staff of the Bureau of Quarantine of the Department of Health (DOH) are there to monitor. We still have the 50 sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided by the DOH, and we are procuring additional equipment. Also, we are assured that the Philippine Red Cross has a contingency amount of 400 PPE only if needed.” Cancellation of different events and activities in the province such as the TINMAN triathlon event in Pagudpud, and the “Kinni-kinni” parade was highly encouraged. “We encourage the Department of Education (DepEd) to delay graduation exercises and to hold off all fiestas as well. As much as we would like to grow our tourism sector, it is not the right time to welcome people and risk the health of our own residents. It’s too risky so let’s not convene large number for now,” Manotoc added.