MANILA, Philippines — An employee of the Manila International Container Port (MICP) has tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced on Wednesday.
“The Manila International Port (MICP) on March 24, 2020 announced that the Port shall be temporarily closed for disinfection as one of its employees tested positive for COVID-19,” BOC said in a statement.
The BOC said it has implemented contingency plans pursuant to guidelines set by the Department of Health and will immediately disinfect the entire MICP building. It added that it continues to conduct contract tracing for its personnel who have directly interacted with the patient.
Those already identified to have been in close contact with the patient were advised to undergo self-quarantine and will be monitored by the Internal Administration Group, the BOC said.
Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero has also issued a memorandum directing unaffected offices of MICP to function normally, including those that facilitate vessel boarding, examination of goods and x-ray examination.
All MICP importation will still be processed by its personnel, said the BOC. Stakeholders are advised to use the Customer Care Portal (CCP) to submit their documents and process their transactions, and to use the Goods Declaration and Verification System (GDVS) to monitor the status of their shipments.
The CCP and GDVS are both accessible through the website of the bureau.
“As a complementary workforce, Commissioner Guerrero also instructed the Port of Manila to assist the MICP personnel, while the disinfection of the Port is underway,” the statement read, adding that the BOC remains “true to its commitment to serve by ensuring the steady flow of goods and supplies while maintaining the welfare of its personnel.”