Senate adjusts session hours as COVID-19 hits 3 catering employees

Senate session hall. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Three employees of the in-house caterer for the Senate tested positive for COVID-19, which prompted the temporary closure of two facilities in the chamber’s building, stricter health protocols and shorter hours for plenary sessions.

“We will remain in semi lockdown. Will most probably end sessions by 6pm. Health protocols will be stricter,” Senate President Vicente Sotto III told INQUIRER.net in a text message on Monday.

“We cannot not continue work because we have two weeks before the break and there are many bills from the [House of Representatives] that we need to act on,” he added.

In an advisory on Sunday, Senate Secretary Myra Villarica informed Senate officers and employees that the Medical and Dental Bureau (MDB) recommended the temporary closure of the executive lounge and canteen effective on Monday, Mar. 15, to make way for disinfection and sanitation.

“It has been reported that three employees of the in-house caterer tested positive for COVID-19 after undergoing RT-PCR swab tests last Friday,” the advisory read.

Senate employees were then advised to bring their own food and drinks “for the duration of the 14-day closure.”

The executive lounge and canteen will resume normal operations on Mar. 29 or until determined by the MDB, according to the advisory.

“Everyone is reminded to observe all health protocols to ensure safety and protection in and outside one’s workplace,” it added.

Four senators have previously tested positive for COVID-19, namely Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senators Sonny Angara, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

All have already recovered.

COVID-19 cases have also been recorded among Senate employees.

gsg