SC suspends afternoon work Friday for disinfection amid increase in COVID-19 cases

The Supreme Court on Friday suspended work for disinfection procedures as it observed an increase in COVID-19 cases.

In a memorandum circular, the SC said work will be suspended starting 12:30 p.m. to give way to disinfection procedures.

The high court said the Maintenance Division and Office of Administrative Services with the Janitorial Services will conduct disinfection, cleaning, and sanitation in various buildings and offices of the court at 1 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Judicial Records Office, Cash Collection and Disbursement Division, Fiscal Management and Budget Office, and Medical and Dental Services must maintain a skeleton workforce, the SC said.

The court said presiding justices of the appellate courts and executive judges are given the discretion to conduct their own disinfection procedures provided that the infection rate is less than 30% of the total workforce.

As of May 11, the Philippines has recorded 4,108,914 COVID-19 cases, of which 13,964 remain active and 66,453 have died. —Joahna Lei Casilao/KBK, GMA Integrated News