THE Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOHWVCHD) reported Saturday, January 9, 2021, that 12 of its employees tested positive for coronavirus.

In an advisory released Saturday afternoon, it said 12 of its employees had mild symptoms of the disease.

According to DOH Director Emilia Monicimpo, one was admitted to a hospital, two in a quarantine facility, while the rest were on strict home quarantine.

Of the 12 employees, one is from the engineering office of the region's Health Facility Unit, one from the Health Promotion Unit, and ten from the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit.

Contact tracing is ongoing in coordination with local government units and Barangay Health Emergency and Response Teams.

All identified close contacts in the workplace had been notified and placed under quarantine.

Disinfection and decontamination of office premises were done Saturday morning.

The DOHWVCHD assured the public of its continued commitment and service in Western Visayas.

"The office will continue to be open to serve its clients, but some work units/section in the agency will continue their services under a work from home arrangement starting Monday until further notice pending the result of the contact tracing," Monicimpo said in the advisory.

"All visitors should strictly observe the health protocols such as wearing of face mask, face shield for additional protection, physical distancing, hand disinfection and temperature check," she added.

The DOHWVCHD also asked for the public's support, understanding and prayers in these trying times, especially for the men and women of the office afflicted by the disease. (SunStar Philippines)