MANILA - Bacolod City was placed under "general community quarantine" on Sunday, restricting travel to and from the area, to prevent the possible spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the city.

In an executive order, Mayor Evelio Leonarda restricted travel to Bacolod -- whether by land, sea or air. His decree however did not say when its implementation will stop.

Movement of goods and cargo to and from the city will not be restricted but persons transporting them will be subject to health procedures by authorities, according to Leonarda.

Police and Coast Guard personnel will monitor all points of entry.

On Sunday midnight, Metro Manila was placed under "community quarantine" after cases of COVID-19 rapidly rose since early March.

Travel in and out of the capital region was banned.

However, people from nearby provinces who work in the capital region are exempted from the restriction.

Transporters of food, medicines and other necessities are also allowed to enter.

The Philippines has confirmed 140 cases of the virus, at least 11 dead, as of posting.