DSWD-7 offices closed for disinfection

CEBU, Philippines —  The offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas are closed for disinfection starting yesterday until Sunday after 18 of its personnel were tested positive for COVID-19.

DSWD-7, however, reported that 11 of those who were infected have already recovered while the remaining seven active cases are under isolation.

DSWD-7 regional director Rebecca Geamala said they are closely monitoring the health condition of their personnel and provided them the necessary assistance—food, psychosocial intervention and even financial support if necessary.

The DSWD-7 main building at M.J. Cuenco Avenue in Barangay Carreta and its Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II in Barangay Labangon are temporarily closed until Sunday.  

Although the DSWD-7 offices are closed, Geamala assured that the delivery of services will continue unhampered. She said the distribution of the second tranche of the emergency cash subsidy under the Social Amelioration Program will go on despite the threat of COVID-19.

She said all DSWD-7 personnel will be on a work-from-home arrangement until the disinfection is done.

“When the community quarantine was enforced, the office implemented health safety protocols like physical distancing, wearing of facemask, regular handwashing and weekly office disinfection,” Geamala said in a statement.  FPL (FREEMAN)