MRT3 Depot under ‘enhanced access control’ after 42 personnel catch COVID-19

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday said the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 Depot was placed under “enhanced access control” last week after 42 personnel contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

This means that MRT3 operations continue but its depot is operating on a work from home arrangement, with only a limited number of essential personnel reporting to the office after presenting a negative COVID-19 test result.

The DOTr said MRT3 Depot employees took a swab test early last week after one COVID-19 case was recorded among the staff.

The testing yielded 33 positive cases. Infections have increased to 36 as of Wednesday.

Six other COVID-19 cases were also logged in the Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the MRT3’s maintenance service provider.

All personnel who tested positive for COVID-19 are now under quarantine while contact tracing is underway, the DOTr said.

“With COVID-19 cases being reported almost entirely from DOTr-MRT3 Office Personnel at the MRT3 Depot, MRT3 operations continue, with the continuing observance by stations personnel of health and safety procedures intended to address the risk of transmission among the riding public,” it added.

Passengers were also reminded to observe the minimum public health standards against COVID-19.—Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News