MRT3 identifies station, work shift of COVID-19 positive ticket sellers

The management of the Metro Rail Transit-3 (MRT3) on Tuesday identified the stations and working schedules of the ticket sellers who tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a bid to boost contact tracing and prevent the further spread of the virus.

In a statement, the MRT3 said that as of July 6, a total of 198 employees have tested positive for COVID-19, 177 of which are depot personnel, three train drivers, two control center personnel and 16 station personnel.

Fourteen of the 16 station personnel were ticket sellers from North Avenue, Quezon Avenue, GMA-Kamuning and Cubao stations, one on reserved status and a nurse.

The working schedule of the COVID-19 positive ticket sellers from the four stations were as follows:

• North Avenue: 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.; 4:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
• Quezon Avenue: 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• GMA-Kamuning: 4:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.

ADVERTISEMENT

• Cubao: 1 p.m. to 11: p.m.; 4:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The MRT3 management urged all passengers who had direct contact with the infected personnel to thoroughly observe their condition and undergo home quarantine to prevent the further transmission of the virus.

The management also assured the public that it is doing the necessary measures to be able to maintain the health and safety of its employees and passengers.

On Monday, the MRT3 announced it will temporarily suspend operations for an estimate of five days starting Tuesday, July 6, following the surge in employees who tested positive for COVID-19.

Undersecretary Timothy John Batan said the temporary suspension of operations from July 7 to July 11 will make way for the testing of personnel of the MRT3.

Batan clarified, however, that the suspension may be faster or longer than five days depending on the swab testing of employees.

Batan said the MRT3 currently has a total workforce of 3,200 and a total of 1,300 personnel are needed to resume operations at a minimum. — RSJ, GMA News