CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga — Clark has taken precautionary measures against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) which has now put the country in a State of Public Health Emergency.
In New Clark City (NCC), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said the Athletes’ Village has undergone extensive cleaning and sanitation after repatriates from the MV Diamond Princess completed their quarantine last March 11.
Wearing full protective gears, personnel from Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon Center for Health Development disinfected and sanitized all the rooms used during the isolation of 445 repatriates from the cruise ship.
“We would like to assure everyone, especially those residing in the adjacent communities of NCC, that the Athletes’ Village has been thoroughly sanitized by DOH,” BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon said.
The DOH earlier announced that the rooms used by two crew members who tested positive for COVID-19 were immediately and thoroughly disinfected after they were transferred to the hospital.
“NCC will remain on lockdown in accordance with the government’s directive to the public to refrain from visiting public places,” Dizon added.
Meanwhile, Clark International Airport assured the public that it is ready and has the capacity for the expected influx of passengers following the statement of President Rodrigo Duterte that domestic air travel to and from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will be suspended beginning March 15.
And lastly, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) issued guidelines on preventive measures against COVID-19.
The guidance provides precautionary methods that will help all workers and stakeholders in the Clark Freeport Zone in responding to the disease especially in their respective areas and workplaces.
In the guidelines, the state-owned firm also mentioned that it will conduct misting disinfection on all offices, public places and playgrounds within the Freeport.
The same will be done on the Clark loop buses to guarantee the protection of workers and commuters.
Accordingly, CDC also announced the postponement of all scheduled public events in the Freeport. The pronouncement covers “public areas where either CDC serves as co-organizer or has issued a permit for such.”
Intensified pre-emptive actions and disinfection protocols were also recommended by CDC to all establishments in the Freeport. These include banks, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, schools, places of worship, recreational facilities, fitness gyms, bars, coffee shops and transportation terminals.
To ensure the safety and well-being of its workers, thermal scanning will be conducted in all offices of CDC.
As stated in the guidelines, “locators and employees whose business transactions require physical appearance in CDC offices will undergo thermal scanning for body temperature monitoring.”
Social distancing is strongly encouraged among individuals, if they have to appear at CDC offices even after they have undergone thermal scanning.
Clients may reach out and connect to CDC offices thru telephone, online portal or multimedia and messaging apps if a physical appearance is not required.
CDC also urged its locators to monitor their employees especially those with travel history. The guidelines and protocols set by national agencies were also reiterated by the state-owned firm to guide its stakeholders in dealing with COVID-19.
Practicing regular hand washing and maintaining proper hygiene was also advised to all workers here. Cleaning and disinfecting of personal workspaces, as well as areas frequented by the public, was likewise recommended.
The said guidelines will be in effect until the declaration of Public Health Emergency is lifted and withdrawn.