45 more MRT-3 employees contract virus; 4 are ticket sellers

MANILA, Philippines — Forty-five more personnel of the Metro Rail Transit Line-3  (MRT-3) were confirmed to have contracted the coronavirus that causes the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), bringing the total number of infected personnel to 172 as of July 5.

Of the number, six are station personnel — four ticket sellers, a nurse, and a train driver — while 166 others are depot personnel, the MRT-3 management said Sunday.

Transport Assistant Secretary Goddess Libiran said two of the ticket sellers are stationed at the Cubao station, one at the North Avenue station, the other one is on reserve status.

All MRT-3 personnel, including those from its maintenance service provider and other subcontractors, will now undergo RT-PCR testing, the Department of Transportation said.

Those who have contracted the coronavirus have already been admitted to government quarantine facilities in the World Trade Center, Philippine Area, and PhilSports Arena.

The DOTr added that personnel who have undergone RT-PCR testing have also been placed under quarantine. Contact tracing is also being conducted.

To further lower the risk of the spread of coronavirus within its workforce, MRT-3 personnel are now required to submit health declaration forms twice a day.

Disinfection is also being done twice a day by a certified professional provider in addition to the continuing regular disinfection by MRT-3 sanitation personnel, the management said.

MRT-3 trains are also subjected to a “5-minute disinfection hustle” every half loop (at the end stations at the North Ave. Station and Taft Station).

For the convenience of train commuters and personnel, disinfection stations with disinfectants are also distributed in both the MRT-3 Depot and at the MRT-3 stations.

Markers have also been put in place in MRT-3 stations and trains to identify where passengers can line-up, stand, or sit.

Transport marshals have also been deployed in all MRT-3 stations and inside MRT-3 trains to enforce physical distancing, by ensuring that passengers remain inside the markings.

At the MRT-3 Depot, roving safety officers have also been dispatched to ensure strict observance by depot personnel of all health and safety measures. Nurses are also available at all times at the depot and at the MRT-3 stations, the line’s management has assured.

/MUF