The House of Representatives (HOR) announced on Thursday that a four-day lockdown would be imposed in the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City starting today until March 21.

In a statement posted on its official social media account, the House said the lockdown was a preemptive measure to the rise of Covid-19 cases in Metro Manila.

“In view of the alarming increase in Covid-19 cases in Metro Manila and as an added precautionary measure, the House of Representatives will impose a temporary lockdown starting on Thursday, 18 March 2021 until Sunday, 21 March 2021,” the statement read.

Lawmakers and other House employees were advised to stay at home to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the virus.

During the four-day lockdown, House members and employees will have access through the Zoom and livestreaming platforms during committee meetings, public hearings and other events.

Committee hearings are done online or through a hybrid set-up wherein some members are physically present in Batasan while others are attending through videoconferencing.

As of March 16, there were 29 active Covid-19 cases at the House of the Representatives. Jade Veronique V. Yap