The Philippines will consider seeking help from China to fight against the COVID-19, said President Rodrigo Duterte during a televised speech on Thursday, noting that Chinese President Xi Jinping has offered help in a reply letter.

Duterte pointed out that China has done a great job in the battle against the virus and his country will ask for help from China if needed.

The president on Thursday announced a halt on domestic land, sea and air travel to and from Manila, as well as community quarantine measures, in what he called a "lockdown" of the capital to curb the spread of coronavirus.

He also approved a resolution to allow a raft of containment measures including bans on mass gatherings, a month of school closures and quarantining in communities where cases are detected.

It follows confirmation on Saturday of the Philippines' first domestic transmission of the virus, which has killed two people there and infected 53.

(With input from Reuters)