21 MRT-3 personnel contract coronavirus

The management of the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) on Tuesday disclosed that 21 of its personnel tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

According to MRT-3 director for Operations Michael Capati, the personnel acquired the disease outside of MRT-3 facilities as he noted that the management is implementing strict protocols.

During the hearing of the House Committee on Transportation on Tuesday, Capati stressed that the 21 cases reported contracted the deadly disease from outside means and they were already instructed to not report to work.

“They are not able to go to work since we do not allow those with symptoms to report to work,” Capati said. “Just to clarify, they were infected outside since we conducted swab testing for MRT-3 employees and they should be negative.”

The MRT official also told the panel that 309 MRT-3 personnel who earlier tested positive have recovered from COVID-19.

Capati also explained that the management of MRT-3 has established strict protocols to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and added that all personnel including train marshals are wearing face masks and personal protective equipment.

In July, the MRT-3 suspended its operations for five days following the recent surge of COVID-19 infections among its personnel.

The temporary shutdown was to give way for thorough disinfection of its facilities and swab testing of all MRT-3 personnel, including those of its maintenance provider and subcontractors, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.