PCOO on lockdown after employee tests positive

MANILA, Philipines — The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has suspended work at its office in Malacañang after a female employee tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar confirmed the work suspension at the New Executive Building (NEB) inside the Palace complex.

An advisory dated July 20, signed by PCOO Undersecretary Marvin Gatpayat, informed employees that work at the NEB will resume on July 27.

“As a safety precaution, we are suspending work starting July 20, as disinfection of the NEB will be done and swab testing for primary and secondary contacts will be conducted,” the advisory read.

PCOO units were ordered to adopt a “work-from-home” for the duration of the work suspension.

—Julie M. Aurelio