Covid-19 positive workers at NAIA reach 24

FILE: Terminal 1 check-in hall in 2015, post-renovation (Photo by Department of Transportation and Communications (Philippines)/Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)

MANILA – The number of personnel detailed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) who tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has reached 24, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Ed Monreal said on Wednesday.

Monreal, however, clarified that the figure does not include personnel from the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Immigration.

Out of the 24, seven have already been back to work, while two are waiting for their medical certificates.

“Fifteen of the 24 are recent (cases), and tested positive after taking the swab test,” Monreal said.

He said there is nothing to worry about as long as the protocols are being followed.

Monreal reiterated that personnel must always observe proper hygiene, and wash their hands frequently.
The airport, he said, implements safety measures such as safe physical distancing, placing of foot baths, installation of acrylic barriers in all check-in counters, among others.

“We are doubling up on disinfection, especially when we get a report that there is a PUI (a person under investigation),” he added.

The number of positive cases did not affect the operations as there are about 4,000 personnel working at the NAIA, Monreal said, noting those infected are less than 1 percent of the airport manpower.

Meanwhile, Monreal visited the holding area for locally stranded individuals (LSIs), who have been provided with food thrice daily, at NAIA Terminal 3.

MIAA would also put up a place where the LSIs could take a shower in the service parking area.

“These are not for everyone. These are only for those who have confirmed tickets, and whose flights are within 48 hours,” Monreal said.