MARIVELES, Bataan -- The Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) remains free from coronavirus disease (Covid-19) infection and is preparing for the implementation of general community quarantine (GCQ).
In his virtual public briefing Wednesday, May 20, Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) administrator Emmanuel Pineda said there are no reported cases of confirmed Covid-19 inside the Freeport.
“We made it possible through our collective efforts. Moving forward, a preparation for GCQ is already on hand,” Pineda added.
He said AFAB locators are being encouraged to set up their respective screening and triage areas to systematically identify Covid-19 probable and suspect cases.
“AFAB shall complement these screening and triage areas with personnel to help operate such areas and will provide oximeters and thermal scanners as well,” he added.
Moreover, a Memorandum of Agreement with FAB locators, Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation is being crafted for a reliable polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to FAB workers.
Pineda added that a FAB Business Continuity Plan is being finalized as an initiative of AFAB to identify areas and sectors affected by the Covid-19 pandemic which shall be given priority for immediate action and support.
AFAB employees are now under skeleton workforce as a prescribed protocol for areas declared under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
For the FAB registered enterprises, Pineda said they have adopted the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases on sectors or businesses allowed to operate.
“I would like to reiterate that AFAB will only allow the maximum number of the workers that would fit the workspaces without violating the one-meter physical distancing which is subject to the inspection and approval of AFAB,” the administrator stressed.
He also cited required safety protocols to be always observed such as the strict implementation of physical distancing, use of face mask or face shield, regular disinfection using 70 percent alcohol or other disinfectants, frequent hand washing, and daily monitoring and submission of health checklist mandated by Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Labor and Employment.
“Prescribed work arrangements may also be implemented such as the work-from-home, four-day or compressed workweek, staggered working hours, or combination of any,” he added.
Relative to this, the Municipal Government of Mariveles issued an executive order for the consolidated guidelines on the implementation of MECQ covering resumption of work, travel and vehicle pass, and other guidelines for workers, whether within or outside FAB. (PIA-Central Luzon)