The Taguig City government has lifted the modified localized quarantine (MLQ) imposed on a construction site in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), which was put on lockdown since June after workers were infected with coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
From an initial six workers who tested positive for COVID-19, the number ballooned to 394. Late last month, Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano announced that all the 394 COVID-19 patients had recovered.
In an announcement, the Taguig Safe City Task Force said, “For the health and safety of all the workers in the BGC Construction Site, as well as all the nearby areas, the Safe City Task Force hereby adopts the findings of the City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit to lift the Modified Local Quarantine and the findings of the Local Building Office for continuous observation and monitoring of the construction site.”
The CEDSU reported that “majority (78.6%) of those sampled were IgG positive which implies antibodies for past COVID-19 infection, hence it is recommended that cases be deemed recovered and that the imposed lockdown be lifted."
Taguig’s Local Building Office, which conducted an ocular inspection of the unnamed construction site, recommended that workers who were not cleared must be reported to the COVID-19 hotline.
It said that there should be more ventilation in all barracks and holding areas during the 14-day quarantine period to prevent transmission, and in the holding facility for workers with COVID-19 to avoid possible re-infection.
“Ensure to always check and refill disinfection and sanitary equipment/tools. 50% of manpower must be observed to ensure physical distancing. Safety Officers must be proactive and strict in implementing the safety protocols,” the office recommended.
The task force said that based on the reports, “we note that the majority of the cases are deemed recovered and to implement further monitoring to prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases. CEDSU recommends the Modified Local Quarantine be lifted and as per the recommendations of the LBO, further monitoring and observation must be done in the area, while allowing the resumption of work.”
As of Aug. 12, Taguig has 2,833 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 2,468 recoveries and 39 deaths, leaving 326 active cases. Bgy. Fort Bonifacio, which covers BGC, has the highest number of COVID-19 cases with 569 followed by Bgy. Lower Bicutan with 302.