Hotel, BPO put on lockdown for violating quarantine protocols

by Dale G. Israel, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 13 Aug 2020

CEBU CITY —- A hotel and business process outsourcing firm (BPO) here were placed on lockdown after allegedly violating some quarantine protocols that led to the spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) shut the doors of Escario Central Hotel, which reportedly accommodated three guests infected with the virus.

Retired Major Gen. Melquiades Feliciano, IATF deputy implementer for the Visayas, said the hotel has no permit to isolate people who tested positive for COVID-19.

Three floors of a building at the Cebu I.T. Park were also closed after seven employees of Aspire BPO contracted the virus.

The city government is investigating the allegations to determine whether or not to penalize Escario Central Hotel and Aspire BPO.

At least 34 guests and three security guards of Escario Central Hotel will be among those who will not be allowed to leave the building premises.

The BPO company billeted 34 guests during the strict community quarantines in Cebu City.

In its official statement, Escario Central Hotel said they continue to operate and accept guests from agencies whose workers need a place to stay.

“We are giving this official statement for the benefit of our valued in-house guests, our clients, and the medical workers, who have stayed with us during this pandemic who cannot even go home to their families after their service at the COVID centers,” it said.

“True to our values, Escario Central Hotel will always put first the safety and comfort of all our guests,” it added.

Last Tuesday morning, the three guests who tested positive for the virus were taken out of the hotel and transferred to the Cebu City Quarantine facility.

The 34 BPO workers and three hotel security guards were subjected to a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test which detects SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Feliciano said they also found out that Aspire BPO billeted their staff at their office at the Cebu I.T. Park.

One of the staff members was able to leave the premises and went home to her family in Barangay Talamban. She later tested positive for COVID-19.

Contact tracing is being done to identify who had close interactions with the patient.

Feliciano said business establishments who violate quarantine protocols shall face closure and revocation of permits.

LZB