COVID-19 hits DOH central office

Some offices under the Department of Health (DOH) Central Office were placed on “soft lockdown” on Monday with their employees sent home to work online after at least 55 people tested positive for the new coronavirus. At least four health officials and employees interviewed on Monday confirmed the virus transmission at its compound on Tayuman in Santa Cruz, Manila. “There are already about 55 cases at the Central Office,” said one of the officials, who declined to be named. Another employee said 45 had tested positive for the virus as of March 19. —Maricar Cinco