11 DSWD personnel tested positive for COVID-19, says official

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Saturday announced that 11 of its workers have contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but angency's work will continue, an official said.

"Ikinalulungkot po namin na 11 na sa kawani ng DSWD ang natukoy na positibo sa COVID-19," DSWD Undersecretary Rene Paje said at the Laging Handa public briefing.

"Ngunit patuloy pa rin po ang ating mga empleyado, ang ating mga frontliner sa pagganap sa kanilang tungkulin," he added.

Paje said the agency has already referred its infected employees to hospitals and medical services in their respective hometowns.

On the other hand, he said the agency has issued Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to their frontliners, who continue to get exposed to the virus while doing their jobs.

The agency has been at the forefront in the distribution of the cash assistance under the second tranche of the Social Amelioration Program since June 17.

"Patuloy lamang po ang pag-ingat at sinusuportahan naman po natin sila sa pamamagitan ng pag-issue ng mga PPEs at iba pang mga gamit na makakatulong upang maiwasan ang COVID," Paje said. —LBG, GMA News