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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Frontline agency' BI to get tough on health protocols amid COVID case surge

'Frontline agency' BI to get tough on health protocols amid COVID case surge

Published Mar 12, 2021 12:47 pm

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has ordered its rank and file employees to strictly observe health protocols due to recent increase of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in Metro Manila and elsewhere.

Bureau of Immigration (BI)
(MANILA BULLETIN)

In a memorandum, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente directed all employes, especially those assigned at the ports and rendering frontline services in offices, to properly wear face masks and face shields while on duty as well as to practice social distancing and hygiene.

Morente warned that disobedient personnel will face appropriate disciplinary actions.

"I have ordered our administrative division to conduct daily inspection to ensure that health protocols are strictly observed,” he stated.

It was learned that several BI employes, including officers assigned at the airports have recently contracted the virus amid reports of a spike in cases.

Employes who have come into contact with COVID-infected people are required to undergo free quarantine and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing.

The BI is one of government’s busiest frontline agencies. On a daily basis, its port personnel meet face-to-face with international travelers who enter and exit the country.

Its office employees are likewise at risk of contracting the virus as they, too, come into contact with hundreds of persons who transact business and avail of its services daily.

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