6 MMDA flood control personnel get COVID-19

Six pumping station personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but the agency said its operations will continue.

According to Mark Salazar’s report on “24 Oras” on Monday, MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said they will not halt operations of the pumping stations because they have immediately conducted contact tracing among its employees.

“Nagkaroon po ng epekto ito pero hindi naman ho ganoong kalaking epekto dahil naging mabilis naman ho ang contact tracing kaya po mostly po ng ating mga pumping stations, ‘yong mga empleyado po ay naka-stay-in noong mga panahon na ‘yon,” Pialago said.

Since the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine, all 300 employees of the 44 pumping stations were required to remain in quarters in their workplaces to avoid getting the virus from outside.

Despite this precautionary measure, six workers still got infected with COVID-19.

Plant Engineer Benny Decolongan, meanwhile, said the MMDA has placed several alcohols and other disinfectants at the stations so employees can sanitize frequently.

Aside from disinfectants, all pumping station personnel are also required to wear masks, boots, helmets and gloves and are always reminded to observe physical distancing.

There are about 20 personnel present per pumping station. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News