13 MRT-3 personnel test positive for Covid-19

MANILA – The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on Monday said 13 of its personnel have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a statement, the MRT-3 said 12 of those infected were tellers at the Santolan, Ortigas, and Cubao stations and one cash assistant.

“These personnel have been isolated since being identified via contact tracing, and are all now in quarantine. In addition, contact tracing has also been conducted,” the MRT-3 said.

It said other workers who had contact with those infected have not been permitted to report for work and are under quarantine while waiting for the results of their swab tests.

Out of the 1,434 personnel at the 13 MRT-3 stations, it said 252 are tellers.

“Overall, MRT-3 has 3,265 personnel in its stations, depot, and mainline operations,” the MRT-3 said.

To help avoid the spread of Covid-19, it said measures were implemented to “minimize contact between station personnel, especially tellers and passengers” since last year.

“All MRT-3 tellers and station personnel wear full personal protective equipment (face mask, face shield, gloves, and gowns) to avoid contact between themselves and passengers,” the MRT-3 said.

On Tuesday, the MRT-3 will suspend its operations as part of its Holy Week maintenance shutdown.

The rail service will resume operation on Monday, April 5.

Aside from performing repair and maintenance on its systems, tracks, and trains, MRT-3 said the Holy Week shut down will also allow the administration of Covid-19 swab tests on all personnel exposed to Covid-19.