LEGAZPI CITY (PNA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) Albay Division Office here was temporarily closed on Monday after a male employee tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Froilan Tena, DepEd Albay spokesperson, said their office located in Ligñon Hill in Barangay Bogtong would be on lockdown until March 19 as part of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
The agency would conduct disinfection procedures during the duration of the closure, he noted.
Norma Samantela, Schools Division Superintendent, in an advisory, directed all employees to strictly observe health protocols. Those who were in the office from March 3 onwards were advised to stay home and to observe and report possible symptoms to the Health and Nutrition Unit for proper guidance.
Tena told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview that there are 203 employees that would undergo swab testing and currently in isolation at their respective residences.
He said for the meantime, the employees shall be working from home and office transactions would be done online.
The DepEd is the sixth government office to be placed on lockdown in this city due to the threat of COVID-19.