MANILA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos has extended the COVID-19 pandemic state of calamity until the end of this year as the country continues to deal with the infectious disease, Press Secretary Rose Beatrix Cruz-Angeles said on Monday.
In a press conference, Angeles said the state of calamity is extended "possibly for three months but only to preserve the benefits under it, such as but not limited to the indemnification, emergency procurement, special risk allowance for healthcare workers."
The state of calamity was declared by former President Rodrigo Duterte in March 2020, and has been extended for twice until Sept. 12 this year.
Under the state of calamity, authorities are allowed to "monitor and control prices of basic necessities and prime commodities; and provide basic services to the affected populations."
The Philippines now has over 3.9 million confirmed COVID-19 cases, including more than 62,000 deaths. ■
