BI main office closed for disinfection after employee tests positive for COVID-19

Operations at the Bureau of Immigration's main office in Intramuros, Manila will be suspended on Monday to give way for disinfection after one of its employees tested positive for COVID-19.

"We have decided to temporarily close our main office to protect not only our employees but that of the transacting public as well against this deadly virus," said BI Commissioner Jaime Morente in a statement.

Those who have secured slots via the BI's online appointment system were advised to defer their transaction and wait for their appointments to be rescheduled.

"We assure the public that our main office will be back in business as soon as we have finished disinfecting our building. Please wait for further announcements," Morente said as he advised concerned parties to always view the bureau's website

Other BI satellite and extension offices in Metro Manila remain open for business this Monday, Morente said.

According to BI acting spokesperson Melvin Mabulac, the employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was among the hundreds of BI employees who underwent rapid antibody test conducted at the main office last week.

"He initially tested positive in the rapid test conducted last June 2 so he was subjected to a confirmatory swab test," Mabulac said. "The test result showing he has the virus came out last Saturday."

He said the employee's office-mates were already directed to undergo mandatory tests to determine if they too have acquired the virus. --KBK, GMA News