Over 100 CAAP employees get COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — More than 100 officials and employees of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) have tested positive for COVID-19 after undergoing antigen tests.

Of the number, 27 are detailed at the office of the CAAP director general, 41 at the Aeronautical Fixed Service, 19 at the Air Traffic Service, 12 at the administrative office, five at the Air Navigation Service, four at the Flight Standard Inspectorate Service, four at the Security and Intelligence Service, three at the bids and award committee, two at the office of Enforcement and Legal Service and a security guard.

The infected CAAP officials and personnel were ordered to self-isolate at home and undergo reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR tests.

They are required to present a negative RT-PCR test results before they are allowed to report back to work.

Reports said that CAAP director general Jim Sydiongco went on quarantine after he came in close contact with a COVID-positive official.

The CAAP has more than 1,000 personnel who are now working 12 hours a day after a number of personnel contracted COVID-19.

Another batch of CAAP officials and employees will undergo antigen testing today.

The CAAP is conducting disinfection of its premises to prevent the transmission of the virus.

The CAAP also issued a notice to airmen limiting the number of domestic flights to only 14 per day and two flights for general aviation, and to reduce the landing and take-off capacity due to lack of control tower personnel as most of them are on quarantine or waiting for the results of their RT-PCR tests.