Laguna firm shuts down for 24 hours over 290 COVID-19 cases

The Laguna provincial government ordered a company to shut down for 24 hours after 290 of its employees tested positive for COVID-19.

The Nidec Philippines Corporation temporarily ceased operations after the COVID-19 cases were discovered after a swab test, according to a 24 Oras report by John Consulta on Friday.

The one-day shutdown started on Thursday, as the Provincial Health Office and the Biñan City Health Office started a case investigation, contact tracing, and disinfection inside the company's premises.

Suspected, probable, and close contacts of COVID-19 positive patients were meanwhile brought to quarantine facilities and hospitals.

"Ang purpose po ng ating temporary shutdown ay para po magkaroon tayo ng time na ma-reassess po 'yung lahat po ng protocols na ginawa po nila. Kapag may nakita po tayo na problema, hindi naman po para pahirapan po natin sila, tutulungan pa po natin sila na ayusin," said Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez.

The company will be allowed to reopen once safety protocols were put in place.

Hernandez said they are also inspecting other companies in Laguna with high numbers of employees with COVID-19.

GMA News sought comment from Nidec Philippines Corporation but the company had yet to respond as of posting time. — Jamil Santos/DVM, GMA News