The Supreme Court (SC) announced that it suspended work on Friday afternoon to give way for the disinfection in its offices and buildings amid the surging number of COVID-19 cases.

In Memorandum Circular No. 02-2023 signed by acting Chief Justice Marvic Victor Leonen, work in the higher court has been suspended at 12:30 pm.

“Essential offices, such as the Judicial Records Office, Cash Collection and Disbursement Division, Fiscal Management and Budget office, and Medical and Dental Services are directed to maintain skeleton force,” the order reads.

BASAHIN: Pasok sa Supreme Court sinuspinde simula 12:30 ngayong tanghali para sa disinfection dahil anya sa tumataas na kaso ng COVID-19 | RH29 @boy_gonzales, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/qmiwun6a8k

— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) May 12, 2023

Meanwhile, SC said it is up to the decision of the presiding justice of the Appellate Courts and the executive judges of the National Capital Region if they will conduct their own disinfection, cleaning, and sanitation.

As of May 11, the Department of Health (DOH) logged 4,108,914 total COVID-19 cases nationwide, with 13,964 active cases.

The positivity rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) increased to 24.9 percent on May 10, the latest data from OCTA Research Team has shown.