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HEALTH-VIRUS-PHILIPPINES-TV
CNN Philippines goes off-air in coronavirus scare
MANILA, March 18, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – CNN Philippines stopped broadcasting on
Wednesday after a coronavirus case was confirmed in the building where the
television channel is based, forcing it off the air while the offices are
disinfected.
Viewers tuning in to the local franchise were met with the network’s red
logo on a blank screen as it announced it would be off-air for at least 24
hours.
“CNN Philippines will temporarily stop broadcasting on Wednesday after a
COVID-19 case was confirmed in the building (in Manila) where the company is
located,” the franchise said on its website.
“As a result, CNN Philippines will be off the air for at least 24 hours,”
it added, stressing the infection occurred at another company in the
building.
It said it would continue to provide news on its website and social media
accounts.
“We have prepared for this emergency. For more than two weeks, many of our
colleagues have been isolated and working from home already,” a company
statement said.
Other Philippine broadcast networks have earlier banned live audiences
from their talk, reality, variety and game shows.
The Philippines has reported just a fraction of the infections seen in
hotspots such as China and Italy, with 187 confirmed cases and 14 deaths.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1022 hrs