The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Headquarters in Makati City will be on lockdown for two days after four employees recently tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019).

The agency said that from July 9 to July 10, the offices and adjacent premises will be closed for disinfection.

“All personnel will be allowed to go home at 2 p.m. on Wednesday (July 8) as their workplaces will undergo sanitation and disinfection procedures until Sunday (July 12) amid the spread of COVID-19,” the MMDA said in a statement.

MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim said they have decided to suspend the operations at all offices for sanitation and disinfection to protect not only the agency’s personnel, but also the transacting public against the virus.

“We assure the public that our offices will resume operations as soon as we have completed the sanitation and disinfection of our all offices by Monday,” he said.

MMDA said contact tracing was conducted and persons who had close contact with the infected employees were ordered to comply with the 14-day quarantine period and subjected to swab tests.

“Others employees who tested positive in the rapid test were made to undergo swab test and quarantine according to protocol.”

Those exposed to persons with COVID-19, tested positive on rapid test, and awaiting swab test results will stay at the MMDA’s isolation facility.  

The 800-sqm isolation facility, located at the MMDA’s parking area, has two sections – one for suspect and probable cases.

"Each section of the isolation facility has a 24-bed capacity equipped with shower rooms, comfort rooms and lavatories. The rooms are fully-air conditioned, with Wi-Fi connection and are regularly cleaned and sanitized. Free meals are also provided."

Assistant Secretary Celine Pialago, MMDA spokesperson, said the  MMDA’s Medical Clinic is also closely monitoring and providing guidance and assistance to employees.