Comelec’s Intramuros offices closed starting Thursday amid COVID-19 infections

MANILA, Philippines — Various offices of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) main branch in Intramuros, Manila, would be temporarily closed as a preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19.

A statement from Comelec on Wednesday said that aside from the Main Office, the Offices of the Regional Election Director of National Capital Region, Region IV-A, and Region IV-B will be closed until March 24.

Comelec said that this was after several employees contracted the disease.

“The Commission on Elections will close all its offices in Intramuros, Manila, beginning March 11, 2021.  The Main Office and the Offices of the Regional Election Director of National Capital Region (NCR), Region IV-A, and Region IV-B will remain closed until March 24, 2021,” the commission said.

“The temporary closure of offices is being implemented as a precautionary measure, to prevent the further spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, in view of reports of documented recent transmission of the COVID-19 disease among employees,” it added.

Despite the offices’ temporary closure, Comelec spokesperson Director James Jimenez assured that their work would not be disrupted, especially in preparation for the Palawan plebiscite and the 2022 presidential elections.

“We wish to assure the public, however, that work remains unhampered.  Preparations for the Palawan Plebiscite as well as the 2022 National and Local Elections are underway and will continue to be undertaken by officials and employees responsible,” Jimenez said.

Comelec said that people with concerns could get in touch by sending e-mails during working hours and on other online platforms.

“Comelec’s official Facebook and Twitter accounts will be open for queries from the general public,” Comelec added.

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