Duterte told a news conference that the four new COVID-19 cases were reported in Metro Manila and the outlying Bulacan province. However, he said there is no epidemic yet in the country despite the increasing number of cases.

Earlier the same day, the President signed a proclamation declaring a state of public health emergency due to the COVID-19 threat.

With this decision, authorities would take drastic preventive measures, quarantine infected and suspected cases and sterilise resident areas.

Meanwhile, also on March 9, Malaysia announced 18 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to 117.

According to the health ministry, one patient of the newly identified had travelled to Iran between February 20-27. He was confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 on March 8.

Among Malaysia's second wave of cases beginning late February, only six cases had travel history, while the vast majority were infected locally with close contacts, the ministry said.

The ministry also announced a collaboration with the country's private medical sector to provide home testing for COVID-19, without having to visit a healthcare facility. It also repeated its advice that Malaysians avoid travelling to territories or cities affected./.VNA