Bureau of Immigration. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ ALEXIS CORPUZ
MANILA, Philippines — The main building of the Bureau of Immigration in Intramuros, Manila will remain closed until Thursday to give way for the COVID-19 rapid antibody tests for all of its employees.
The BI initially announced that its main office will be closed only on Monday and Tuesday for disinfection after three of its employees tested positive for coronavirus.
Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said in a statement Wednesday that only about half of the newly 700 employees assigned at the main building were tested by the bureau’s Medical Section on Monday and Tuesday.
He added that the BI General Services Section also asked for time to complete the disinfection of the entire four-story building and its premises.
Despite the shutdown of the main office, Morente said the public may still transact with the bureau’s satellite and extension offices in Metro Manila.
“Those who have registered with our online appointment system will be notified or may inquire about their new schedule by contacting our hotlines that can be viewed at immigration.gov.ph,” he also said.