MANILA, Philippines — The Manila International Airport Authority went on lockdown yesterday after several MIAA employees reportedly tested positive for COVID-19.
MIAA chief Ed Monreal and other airport officers adopted a work-from-home setup.
On Tuesday, Monreal and other government officials attended the inauguration of the upraded Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) runway and Terminal 2 expansion.
Cabinet officials, including Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as well as local carrier executives also attended the event.
According to airport insiders, Monreal’s staff underwent antigen testing prior to the event. Some of the employees reportedly proceeded to the site without knowing their test results.
The employees reportedly learned that they tested positive for the virus late Tuesday afternoon.
They were immediately isolated while health personnel conducted contact tracing and disinfection of the MIAA offices.
The government upgraded the airside facilities of the NAIA to increase the maximum allowable commercial aircraft movement at the country’s main gateway.