Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 12) — The Asian Development Bank as well as select government offices in Metro Manila have been temporarily closed for disinfection starting Thursday amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, the regional lender said it has instructed a “work from home” arrangement for its employees beginning March 12, upon learning that a recent visitor at its headquarters in Mandaluyong tested positive for the disease known as COVID-19. ADB frequently hosts conferences attended by local and international representatives.
DOF Assistant Secretary Tony Lambino announced that normal operations in the agency will resume Monday, March 16. He added that Dominguez is “feeling well” and is not showing symptoms.
“The bank’s Manila headquarters facility will be closed from 12 March to undertake cleaning and disinfecting. Bank operations will continue. ADB management will make a decision in coming days on when to reopen the bank premises,” ADB said.
Meanwhile, several state agencies also announced the temporary closure of its buildings for disinfection and sanitation.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said the central bank’s headquarters along Roxas Boulevard in Manila as well as the Security Plant Complex in Quezon City will be temporarily shut down for disinfection until Sunday, March 16. He clarified that trading, clearing and settlement of financial transactions will proceed as usual at the Quezon City property. Financial markets remained open for the day.
LIST: Lawmakers, gov’t officials on self-quarantine after COVID-19 exposure
Diokno also revealed that he will go under self-quarantine as he interacted with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III last week. Dominguez disclosed on Tuesday night that he went under isolation upon learning that he came in contact with someone who eventually tested positive of the disease. The Department of Finance has also temporarily shut down its building, which is located inside the BSP complex in Manila.
The National Economic and Development Authority has also suspended work in its central office in Pasig for disinfection. It clarified that there is no confirmed case in the buiding.
The Government Service Insurance System announced separately that its head office in Pasay will be temporarily closed, following a report that a resource person who attended a hearing in the neighboring Senate building was also confirmed to have the disease.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has also suspended work in all of its offices until Friday, March 13 as a precautionary measure. This covers the agency’s central office in Quezon City, the LTFRB National Capital Region office, as well as all regional franchising regulatory offices.
On Tuesday night, Malacañang and the Senate both announced temporary shutdowns as the premises are being cleaned.
The Department of Transportation said operations in select offices and its attached agencies have been temporarily stopped to give way for disinfection. Employees showing flu-like symptoms were also being sent home. The Philippine National Railways also disclosed that its executive building in Tondo, Manila will undergo cleaning until Sunday, March 14. Office work has been suspended.
A transport official has been confirmed to have contracted COVID-19, sources told CNN Philippines.
Secretary Ernesto Pernia also opted to go on self-quarantine as a “precautionary measure” as he attended a meeting with a person who tested positive for the disease. Other NEDA personnel who interacted with coronavirus patients in separate meetings held March 5 and 6 are also being traced and have been told to isolate themselves for now.
The Philippine Sports Commission also said it will lock down its facilities in Manila and Pasig for sanitation. Operations will resume Monday, March 16.
