The Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered the closure of the Task Force Against Trafficking (TFAT) office at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport after four of their personnel tested positive for Covid-19.
The four TFAT personnel were tested at the Philippine General Hospital last July 2, 2020, and were found to be positive for the virus. They were ordered to go on self-quarantine for 14 days.
Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) Undersecretary-in-charge Emmeline Aglipay-Villar also ordered, the TFAT offices be placed on a 14-day lockdown beginning July 8, 2020 to July 22, 2020.
“The said offices will undergo immediate disinfection and cleansing procedures during the 14-day period as a preventive measure,” Villar said, adding during the temporary closure, all personnel and the general public are prohibited from entering the infected premises.
The order also indicated that reporting and coordination with other concerned agencies shall be immediately undertaken for contact tracing among those who may have been in close interactions and dealings with the four TFAT personnel.
The personnel were apparently infected while performing regular work, assisting in the repatriation efforts at the airport, and conducting surveillance activities.
Villar also ordered all TFAT personnel, including 18 others who underwent swab test in PGH last July 2, 2020, to undergo strict self-quarantine measures for 14 days.
They were ordered to report any health symptoms like fever, itchy throat and loss of appetite during the 14-day lockdown period.
“All existing work assignments shall be, as far as practicable, done from their respective homes where everyone is expected to be on call for urgent matters, or concern,” Villar ordered.
She said a return to work order and schedule shall be submitted for recommendation by the head of the Naia-TFAT at the end of the 14-day quarantine period.
Recto Mercene , Joel R. San Juan
Image credits: CNN Philippines