The COVID-19, previously known as 2019 nCov or 2019 Novel Corona Virus continue to pose a threat worldwide as cases passed the 70,000 mark today. With this news, the Employees’ Compensation Commission urges all employees to be more prudent of the virus to avoid getting infected.
In an advisory released by the Department of Labor and Employment, all companies are directed to provide relevant information about COVID-19 to their employees, determine needed adjustment in work schemes, and take immediate precautionary measures.
“We are encouraging everyone to take precautionary measures to avoid the virus from spreading especially in our workplaces. There are simple preventive actions that we can do to prevent the spread of the virus such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick and touching our eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands,” said ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis.
According to Banawis, in the event that an employee acquires the virus, it can be compensable under the EC Program thru “Increased Risk Theory” provided that it was obtained by the employee in the performance of his/her employment.
“Example of this are medical personnel involved in the treatment of those infected and the crew members of a luxury liner who were tested positive for the corona virus. They can file an EC claim since they acquired the virus in the course of their employment,” Banawis added.
