Over 30 QC call centers being monitored for rising COVID-19 cases

More than 30 call centers in Quezon City are being monitored by the city government due to the high number of employees testing positive for COVID-19.

According to Saleema Refran’s report on “24 Oras,” the city government inspected the different firms on Friday to check if guidelines and minimum health standards are being followed.

“May mga reports kaming nakuha na may mga nagpo-positive dito. Eh may medyo marami ang mga empleyado nila. Under normal circumstances, nasa 400 ang mga agents nila na present on the floor,” Margie Santos, officer-in-charge of Quezon City business permits and licensing department, said.

Among the guidelines for workplaces implemented by the city government were alternative work arrangements, physical distancing, wearing of face masks, and prohibiting cross-contamination of employees.

“Posible po na mabilis talaga ang transmission lalo na po sa mga high-risk areas na tinatawag so possible po sa mga pantries kung saan magkakasama po kumakain mga tao, sa mga smoking areas… and also possible in enclosed areas na may centralized air conditioning,” said QC Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit Team Leader Joshua Young.

So far, the QCESU reported 512 workplace-related COVID-19 infections.

To prevent further transmission, the city government said it will temporarily close companies who will violate health protocols.

“Kung sa workplace na maraming empleyado, maraming nag-positive doon sa physically pumapasok sa trabaho, puwede rin pong ipasara ng city ‘yan para makapag-disinfect at tsaka malinis po talaga,” Santos said.

Moreover, the city government urged companies to report even their suspected and probable cases.

“We can prevent further transmission by saving a couple of days na na-trace natin ng maaga, na-quarantine natin ng maaga ‘yong close contacts kahit suspect pa lang sila,” Young said. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/DVM, GMA News