An employee of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has tested positive for Covid-19, prompting a week-long work suspension in the New Executive Building (NEB) in Malacañang.

“As a safety precaution, we are suspending work starting July 21, 2020, as disinfection of the NEB will be done and swab testing for primary and secondary contacts will be conducted,” PCOO Undersecretary Gatpayat said.

Work will resume on Monday, July 27.

The NEB houses the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson, the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, the Presidential Communications Operations Office and the Malacañang Press Briefing Room.

 

President Rodrigo Duterte’s meetings with Cabinet officials and public addresses are done at the Malacañang Golf Clubhouse, approximately 300 meters away from the NEB.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque’s press briefing on Monday was held outside Malacañang.

Roque said that in spite of the Covid-19 reaching Malacañang, his usual pressers would continue to be held and broadcast. John Ezekiel J. Hirro