SEC main office to close temporarily as 2 employees test positive for COVID-19

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Thursday announced the temporary closure of its main office in Pasay City, after two of its employees tested positive for the coronavirus.

In an advisory, the SEC said its main office in the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) will be suspended from Friday, June 26 until next Tuesday, June 30.

"The SEC Main Office will be closed to facilitate disinfection of the premises, after two employees and two outsourced personnel tested positive in rapid antibody tests for COVID-19," it said.

According to the corporate regulator, the employees and outsourced personnel are now in quarantine and being monitored by SEC medical staff. They will also undergo confirmatory tests.

They all had no history of travel abroad, and no known exposure to confirmed positive COVID cases.

The SEC also noted that the two employees have been working from home since March 13, and reported to the SEC Main Office for rapid antibody testing on June 24 and 25.

"The Commission is implementing all necessary health protocols, pursuant to and consistent with the directives and guidelines of the Department of Health," it said.

"The SEC will continue adopting alternative work arrangements, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Civil Service Commission, to minimize disruption in the delivery of services to the public," it added.

In the meantime, the SEC said the public may send their queries, requests, and other concerns to the departments concerned via email addresses provided at the SEC website.

According to the latest data available, the Philippines has so far recorded a total of 33,069 confirmed COVID cases as of Thursday, June 25. This includes 8,910 recoveries and 1,212 deaths. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News