The Quezon City government has launched an investigation against several firms over the reported failure to inform authorities about the presence of suspected positive coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients in their workplace.
This was discovered after the city’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) received tips from concerned citizens through telephone calls and e-mails that some of the firms operating in the city were not complying with standard health protocols.
Some firms reportedly do not have thermal scanners, do not observe physical distancing and violate mass gathering protocols.
“We have sent these firms a letter requiring them to cooperate with us during our investigation, and to provide us with documents that will clearly tell us the health status of their employees,” CESU head Dr. Rolly Cruz said Monday.
The firms were given 24 hours to reply to communications sent by CESU, after which an on-site investigation and contact tracing will be conducted.
Mayor Joy Belmonte said the firms will face penalties and other corresponding charges for violation of Republic Act No. 11332 (An Act Providing Policies and Prescribing Procedures on Surveillance and Response to Notifiable Diseases, Epidemics, and Health Events of Public Health Concern) if proven to have deliberately lied about the health situation of their employees or refused to comply with safety protocols.
Belmonte added that hotels booked by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) as host for COVID-19 positive patients must also report to the city, otherwise they can also be held liable under RA No. 11332.
“We call on all companies, business establishments, private subdivisions and condominiums in the city to cooperate with us in our efforts to combat the disease as well as maintain a safe environment by following all health protocols," Belmonte said.
The local government has called on its residents to report erring companies through the contact tracing hotlines 8703-2759, 8703-4398, 0916-1228628, 0908-6398086, 0931-0957737; or via email at[email protected] and [email protected].
“They can also reach us if they believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 patients, or experiencing symptoms of the disease,” Cruz added.
The hotlines are open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.