COVID-19 cases erupt in BPM firm

As the city prepares for its massive COVID-19 vaccination roll-out, another business processes management (BPM) company reported a new surge in cases amid calls of authorities to strictly observe health protocols.

Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS)-Iloilo, a BPM based in Mandurriao, Iloilo, recorded 89 Covid-19 cases, based on data from the City Epidemiological Services Unit (CESU)

The positive cases resulted from the two-day intensive COVID-19 tracing conducted by the Iloilo City government from March 17-18, 2021.

According to the CESU, the 89 cases include 63 from Iloilo City and 26 from Iloilo province.

The data also noted the surge of cases based on the residential area of the call center agents particularly in the district of Mandurriao.

Out of the 63 positive agents in the city, 17 are from Bolilao wherein one boarding house has clustering of cases with 6 HGS positive agents.

Other cases are in Hibao-an Sur, Sta. Rosa, Tabucan, Taft North, Dungon, and other districts in the metro.

Initial reports indicated that the surge in cases was reported after the company conducted a team building activity in Guimaras.

Following the incident, Mayor Jerry Treñas announced that the city government will conduct random testing in call centers in the metro.

“In view of the many cases from a call center today, I have given instructions to Dr. Roland Fortuna and Francis Cruz to get in touch with the other call centers in Iloilo City. We need to be proactive and require random testing in their call centers. We need to do it right away to ensure the safety of everyone,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

The mayor also appealed to the public to not be complacent and continue in practicing the minimum health standards. He added that the best way to protect oneself is to get vaccinated.

“We must remember that the presence of the virus despite how many means that we are all at risk. The only ways we can be protected are by following the health protocols and get vaccinated. Your choices also affect the safety of your family,” he added.

Meanwhile, this is the highest recorded surge of COVID-19 cases in Iloilo City for this year.

Last year, BPM company iQor also recorded a surge of COVID-19 cases which reached over 200. (ERS)