18 DPWH-Caraga employees contract Covid-19
By ALEXANDER LOPEZ
BUTUAN CITY – The office of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Caraga (DPWH-13) is implementing stringent health protocol measures amid the surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) among its employees.
In a statement Thursday, the DPWH-13 said 18 of its employees contracted Covid-19 from June 1 to 9.
“The 18 employees tested positive for Covid-19 showed symptoms from mild to severe while others are asymptomatic,” the agency said.
This is higher than the 15 cases reported in the agency from January 1 to May 31.
“All the positive employees were admitted to the assigned quarantine facilities while others showing severe symptoms get hospitalized,” it added.
The agency added that those who were directly exposed but tested negative were also required to undergo home quarantine for 14 days as required by the City Health Office (CHO) here.
“With many of its employees now quarantined, the DPWH-13 management tightens its health protocols,” the statement said.
The regional office buildings have already been disinfected and sanitized while visitors are required to wear face shields and face masks.
Employees of the agency are also urged to maintain safe distancing, constant washing and sanitation of hands, and avoid gatherings in the office.
“Currently, the alternative work schedule of three-day office work and two-day work from home is in effect to strictly implement health protocols under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) which requires only fifty percent (50%) of workforce allowed inside the office premises,” it said.
Meanwhile, the DPWH Second District Engineering Office in Surigao del Norte is placed on lockdown after two of its engineers tested positive for Covid-19, one of whom died.
District Engineer Marcelino Operario told local radio station RPN DXKS Surigao on Thursday that the lockdown started last June 9 after one of the engineers who contracted Covid-19 died on June 8.
The other patient is now admitted to a private hospital in Surigao City, he added.
A work from home is now being implemented as disinfection activities are being conducted in the office premises and compound of the district office.
All employees who had close contact with the two engineers were also required to undergo antigen tests. (PNA)
