By Genalyn Kabiling
The Presidential Security Group (PSG) has stepped up precautions against the spread of the coronavirus by wearing face masks and conducting temperature screening of people entering the Palace.
Malacañang Palace. (Photo by Richard V. Viñas / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
The latest preventive measures have been implemented at the Palace after health authorities confirmed two cases of coronavirus in the country.
On Monday, PSG members manning the Palace gates started wearing masks as a preventive measure against the coronavirus threat.
Palace employees and visitors have also been asked to undergo a temperature check before entering the main Palace as well as the nearby New Executive Building along J.P. Laurel Street. Hands are also sanitized with alcohol and other sanitizing products upon the entry at the Palace.
NEB houses the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson, Presidential Communications Operations Office, the press working area, and other offices.
PSG chief Brig. Gen. Jose Niembra had earlier directed PSG personnel to wear face masks as precautionary measure against the spread of the virus. He said protocols for visitors in the Palace were also being crafted.
The PSG has likewise recommended to Internal House Affairs Office the indefinite suspension of museum tours in Malacañang. “This is a preemptive measure to ensure that the seat of government is secured from this biological threat,” the PSG commander said.
PCOO employees, meantime, have also been advised to take precautionary steps to avoid getting sick amid the coronavirus threat.
“We would (like) to ask all personnel to take precautionary measures to ensure our safety from this said disease. We strongly advise everyone to take via times to boost your immune system, to take on leave of absence when feeling sick,” PCOO Assistant Secretary Ryan Vincent Uy said in PCOO bulletin dated January 29.
He said PCOO employees are also advised to “cover one's mouth when coughing o sneezing and to use N95 mask or face mask when having cough or colds in order to prevent spreading of virus and bacteria.”
The latest PCOO announcement included the Department of Health's press release and safety measures to guard against the virus threat.