COVID forces PSE to close headquarters
The Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE) has closed its headquarters, including its trading floor, in Bonifacio Global City for 24 hours after one of its employees tested positive for COVID-19.
“We are deeply concerned that one of our employees tested positive for COVID-19. Because of this, we need to take the appropriate steps to curb the spread of the virus,” PSE President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon said.
He added that, “We are closing down our premises for decontamination and for any other necessary measures to ensure that the health of our employees will not be comprised.”
All employees and traders who reported for work early today (June 24, 2020) have been asked to vacate the premises.
The PSE assured thatstock market trading will not be affected by the closure of the trading floor as trading participants are equipped to conduct offsite trading.
Business functions of the Exchange will also not be hampered by the closure as its employees have an alternative work arrangement.
Aside from the decontamination, the PSE has asked employees who were in close contact with the staff who tested positive for coronavirus to self-quarantine. The Exchange will also assist them for COVID-19 testing.
The PSE said it will also initiate contact tracing to identify all other individuals who were in close contact with the staff while in the premises of the Exchange.
“We will abide by the protocols prescribed by the DTI-DOLE Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID19 in the event a worker is suspected or confirmed as having COVID-19,” Monzon explained.
Despite the office shut down, the shortened trading hours that is currently in place will still be observed. The company’s business functions will also continue as its employees have alternative work arrangements in place.
The PSE did not announce when work and trading will resume onsite but said it will “make the necessary announcements once there are significant developments on the matter.” (James A. Loyola)