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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider PCOO suspends work after employee gets COVID-19

PCOO suspends work after employee gets COVID-19

Published Jul 21, 2020 12:16 pm

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has suspended work from July 21 to July 27 after an employee tested positive for the new coronavirus disease.

(MANILA BULLETIN)

The temporary work suspension will pave the way for coronavirus testing of the close contacts of the coronavirus patient as well as and disinfection of the offices at the New Executive Building.

"An employee of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has tested positive for COVID-19," PCOO Undersecretary for Administration and Legal Affairs Mavin Gatpayat said in a PCOO advisory dated July 20.

Gatpayat thanked the PCOO workers for their cooperation amid the implementation of the latest health measure. A copy of the PCOO advisory was released to the media on Tuesday.

The New Executive Building houses the offices of the PCOO, Presidential Spokesperson, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, the press working area and the press briefing room.

The Presidential Security Group has been implementing strict health protocols, including thermometer check and health declaration forms, on people before entering the NEB premises.

Reporters have also been prohibited by the PCOO from going inside the Palace briefing room since the strict lockdown in March as a precaution against the coronavirus spread. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque earlier said he prefers to hold virtual press conferences instead of live sessions with journalists at the briefing room since he has existing health conditions.

In a statement on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the PCOO employee who tested positive is currently under quarantine. 

"PCOO has already been in touch with the patient and the patient's family for any assistance and support that we can provide. We continue to pray for the speedy recovery of our personnel,” he said.

He said the PCOO will also conduct testing of frontline personnel identified as contact of the patients “as part of our due diligence in preventing further spread of the virus.”

"Rest assured that despite the work suspension, the delivery of essential and timely public information will not be hampered by this circumstance. The daily briefings being held at the NEB will continue to operate virtually or remotely to keep all Filipinos updated on the government's actions in fighting the pandemic and managing its effects,” Andanar added.

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