PCOO suspends work at NEB in Malacañang after one personnel tested positive for COVID-19

July 21, 2020

Work at the New Executive Building in Malacañang Complex was suspended starting Tuesday after an employee of the Presidential Communications Operations Office tested positive for coronavirus disease.

In a statement, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said the suspension of work is in compliance with the safety health protocols and precautions prescribed by the national government and health department.

"Work at the New Executive Building is suspended starting today, July 21, to give way for proper disinfection of the workplace and intensified contact tracing among PCOO frontline personnel to ensure everyone's safety," he said.

Andanar said work will resume on July 27.

He said the personnel who was tested positive for COVID-19 is under quarantine.

Andanar said his office has been in touch with the patient and the patient's family for any assistance it can provide.

"We continue to pray for the speedy recovery of our personnel," he said.

Andanar added that PCOO is conducting testing for frontline personnel who are identified as primary and secondary contacts of the patient.

He also assured that despite the work suspension, delivery of essential and timely public information will not be hampered.

"The daily briefings being held at the NEB will continue to operate virtually or remotely to keep all Filipinos updated on the government's actions in fighting the pandemic and managing its effects," the official said.

"We will continue to undertake all the necessary actions to fulfill our obligations to the Filipino people while ensuring our personnel’s safety as we continue to endeavor to beat COVID-19 and to heal as one nation," Andanar added. Celerina Monte/DMS