Philippines: POGOs take action against Coronavirus

Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators to impose measures to fight against the Coronavirus outbreak.

Philippines.- Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) have decided to take action and impose measures to help in the fight against the deadly Coronavirus which continues to impact Asia and beyond.

Dr. Olga Virtucio, Head of the Parañaque City Health Office, said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency that POGOs were cooperating with local health offices to establish preventive measures against the disease.

This includes sharing information and advice about the virus and how its spread can be halted. 

As well as these measures, Virtucio said there will also be intensified inspections to ensure compliance with local health and sanitation codes.

Virtucio will personally visit POGO establishments in Parañaque City, while POGOs in other jurisdictions will be dealt with by their respective local health officials.

“All of these will be put in place to make sure that our big establishments, these POGO establishments, will be properly informed. It is really information and education that will be very important at this time,” Virtucio said.

Last week, PAGCOR asked all POGOs and service providers to exercise extreme caution in selecting employees to be sent to the Philippines. It also asked POGOs to impose a 10-day quarantine on all newly hired and returning employees from countries with confirmed coronavirus cases. 

Some POGOs had already stopped the entry of such workers into the country.