ILOILO City – The Social Security System (SSS) closed its Iloilo Central branch on corner J.M. Basa and Mapa streets here indefinitely. Five of the agency’s employees contracted coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Amiel Genova, acting senior communications analyst of SSS, said the closure beginning yesterday will give way for the building’s thorough disinfection.
“Actually, last week pa kami nag-request disinfection sa city [government] although naka-disinfect na ya ang office mismo. Kahapon lang sila nag-okay so nag-close naman subong for disinfection,” Genova told Panay News.
For now, according to Genova, the reopening of the SSS Iloilo Central branch remains uncertain.
“Gina-assess pa kon until when [ang closure] kay gusto sang office nga masiguro nga wala na sang virus,” Genova said.
The five SSS personnel were found infected with COVID-19 last week. They are expected to complete their 14-day quarantine next week, according Genova.
“So far, wala man gid sila may nabatyag nga severe symptoms,” said Genova.
He also clarified that their infected personnel have no direct interaction with their clients.
Meanwhile, 10 more SSS employees of the Iloilo Central branch who were exposed to the positive cases went on home quarantine.
But Genova assured clients that this would not disrupt transactions, saying they have set up drop boxes outside the central branch office likewise in their Molo branch.
To minimize physical human interaction and risk of transmission, Genova encouraged clients to use online services of SSS./PN
