Hazard pay, insurance for health workers pushed amid nCoV

MANILA, Philippines — A Quezon City lawmaker yesterday proposed additional benefits for health workers at the forefront of the government’s measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (nCoV).

Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo sought hazard pay, insurance and other incentives for nurses and other hospital staff, who are vulnerable to the virus because they attend to suspected nCoV carriers.

Castelo, vice chairman of the House committee on Metro Manila development, lamented that health workers are not being paid enough despite the dangers associated with their job.

“How are they going to keep themselves strong if they don’t have the means to buy healthy food and vitamins for resistance?” she said. “They should be given extra pay in recognition of the risks they face in performing their duties.”

With weak bodies, Castelo said health workers may easily catch life-threatening diseases such as nCoV and pneumonia. 

Sen. Risa Hontiveros encouraged employers to adopt “work from home” policy for their employees to minimize the risks of exposure to the virus.

“Workers have the right to work from home to ensure their protection from nCoV,” she said.

Valenzuela cancels events

The local government of Valenzuela cancelled three events lined up for its 22nd cityhood anniversary this week as a precautionary measure against nCoV.

Mayor Rex Gatchalian postponed the Top Taxpayers and Top Job Providers Night, mega job fair and a concert for the youth to be held at the city’s ampitheater and astrodome.

The move seeks to prevent the possible spread of the virus since the events will be held in enclosed spaces, according to the city’s public information office.

But it’s still a go for the inauguration of new government buildings: 3S Center Canumay East and Maysan and the Valenzuela City Drug Rehabilitation Center as well as the launching of the Tagalag Fishing Village.

The city hall will also push through with its medical missions this weekend.