COVID-19 cases traced to BPM firm in Iloilo City swell to 105

The number of COVID-19 cases traced to a business processes management (BPM) company in Mandurriao district, Iloilo City climbed to 105 as of March 19, 2021.

The 105 cases included 70 agents from Iloilo City and 35 from Iloilo province, according to the City Epidemiological Services Unit (CESU).

Results of the COVID-19 contact tracing efforts revealed that the surge in cases were based on the swab tests conducted from March 17 to March 19, 2021.

Last March 17, BPM firm Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS)-Iloilo reported 31 positive cases followed by 62 cases the following day.

On Friday, initial report from the CESU indicated 12 new cases that were traced to the company.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo City government identified over 100 close contacts of the positive agents who will also undergo swab tests.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said that some of the close contacts were from other BPO companies. He assured that they will assist in the tracing, testing, and disinfection of other BPO companies.

“Various BPO companies were identified with confirmed cases, thus we will also closely coordinate with their office so we can assist them with the tracing, testing, and disinfection to avoid the spread of the virus so that their operations will not be affected,” he announced on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the resort which served as the venue of the team building activity of HGS workers has been placed under lockdown following the surge of positive cases from the company.

In an interview with Aksyon Radyo-Iloilo, Vice Governor John Gando of Guimaras said the resort in San Lorenzo, Guimaras where the company conducted their team building has been shut down for disinfection and isolation of the workers.

Resort employees were also subjected to swab test. (ERS)