MANILA -- Shopee and Lazada have temporarily suspended their logistics operations in the country as the battle against the novel coronavirus continues.

The two online shopping services released their respective statements on Facebook as they sought patience and understanding from their customers.

Both Shopee and Lazada assured that their web and mobile platforms will remain active despite the temporary suspension.

Read their statements below:

With this development, Lazada also announced the postponement of its eighth birthday sale, which was originally scheduled on March 27.

The Philippines has so far tallied 217 COVID-19 cases, including 17 deaths and seven patients who recovered.

The main island of Luzon has been placed under lockdown, while a state of calamity was declared for the entire country to address the pandemic that originated from China.