BY MARCHEL P. ESPINA
Two employees of the Bacolod City Water District have tested positive for coronavirus disease, while a fourth worker of the Sugar Regulatory Administration in the city was also hit by the virus.
In an advisory yesterday, Baciwa said its main office at corner Galo-San Juan Streets in Bacolod will be temporarily closed until further notice.
This is because two of its employees recently tested positive for Covid-19, it added.
“We have conducted contact tracing of those who had direct/indirect contact with the said employees. Those who are considered on 1st degree of transmission have already undergone swab testing, and they are now under strict observation and self-quarantine,” the management said.
They assured the public that those affected are receiving full medical support, guidance, and other needs while on quarantine.
“We assure everyone that amidst this situation, our water supply and maintenance operations will continue,” they added.
The Baciwa management also encouraged consumers to pay their bills through Alvio outlets, GCash, Pay Maya, or any collection center listed at the back of the bill.
For emergency concerns, one may contact 09985548501, 09563676597, 09257195328 (Customer Service), 09776977529, 09985532748 (Billing), 09088181252 (AGM Admin) or may email their queries at customercaredivision@baciwa.gov.ph and Baciwa Helpdesk on Facebook.
“At all times, our priority is to protect our employees and valued clients. Let us all help one another in fighting this virus. Be safe everyone,” the management said.
Baciwa had announced the suspension of its disconnection services and imposition of penalty charges until Oct. 31, after the city was placed under modified enhanced community quarantine status until Sept. 30.
POSITIVE
A fourth employee of the SRA in Bacolod also tested positive for the virus, two highly-placed sources in the agency confirmed to DAILY STAR yesterday.
SRA Administrator Hermenegildo Serafica issued a memorandum last week that barred officers and employees from disclosing Covid-19 cases in their agency to the media.
When asked if the SRA office will temporarily close for disinfection following the fourth positive case, he said the agency is “consistently observing health and safety protocols.”
This is in keeping with existing guidelines of the Department of Health and Inter-Agency Task Force, including proper contact tracing, he added.
He stressed there is “no imperative need to close the entire SRA for disinfection because SRA is regularly disinfecting its offices.”
He added that “SRA is doing its best to balance the interest of its employees and the stakeholders. This way, the employees are protected while the mandates of SRA are duly complied with.”*
