By Richa Noriega
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced on Friday the postponement of mass oathtakings scheduled for March and April amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat.
PRC said the decision was made after President Duterte declared a state of a public health emergency on Monday, and also upon the recommendations of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) to prohibit mass gatherings, and to ensure the safety of inductees, guests, personnel, and officials.
The postponed oath takings include the following:
- Oathtaking of new Master Plumbers (March 14, 2020)
- Oathtaking of new Architects (March 28, 2020)
- Oathtaking of new Physical and Occupational Therapists (March 29, 2020)
- Oathtaking of new Real Estate Salespersons (April 2, 2020)
- Oathtaking of new Real Estate Consultants (April 3, 2020)
- Oathtaking of new Mechanical Engineers and Certified Plant Mechanics (April 18, 2020)
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 12 new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Friday night, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 64.
The health department also confirmed on Wednesday the second death in the country due to COVID-19.
The death toll from the coronavirus pandemic has risen to 5,043, according to an Agence France Presse tally based on official sources at 1100 GMT on Friday.