MANILA - The Greenhills Center Management on Friday said it would take precautionary measures to protect shoppers and employees after the health department announced that the 5th confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case in the country frequented a Muslim prayer hall in the area.

"In light of the Department of Health's confirmation of two new cases of COVID-19, Greenhills Mall is enacting precautionary measures to ensure the safety of our shoppers, tenants and employees," Greenhills Center Management said in a statement.

The 5th confirmed case in the country is a 62-year old Filipino who "has no known history of travel outside the country," which could potentially be a case of local transmission, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier said. The man regularly visits a Muslim prayer hall in San Juan, he said.

• Philippines' new coronavirus cases now at 5, including potential local transmission

The Greenhills management is closely coordinating with the San Juan City government and the Department of Health (DOH), the statement said.

Those who exhibit fever and/or respiratory symptoms should call the DOH hotline at 02-86517800 for referral to appropriate health facilities, the mall management said.

"Rest assured that the health and security of our shoppers, tenants, employees, and the public is our top priority," the management said.

In a separate statement, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said he has ordered the temporary closure of the said prayer room in Barangay Greenhills and to disinfect and sanitize the facility.

The Philippines now has a total of 5 confirmed cases of COVID-19, which has infected over 90,000 worldwide.