The Senate will be ending its plenary sessions by 6 pm starting Monday, March 15, after 3 of its in-house catering staff tested positive for the coronavirus.

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III confirmed this to Rappler when asked if the chamber would remain under “semi-lockdown.”

“Yes. All senators’ offices closed. Secretarial has only skeletal force involved in legislation. Others on lockdown,” said Sotto in a text message.

The length of a plenary session usually varies depending on the agenda for the day.

Senate Secretary Myra Villarica also issued an advisory to employees saying the 3 in-house catering staff’s COVID-19 test results came back positive last Friday, March 12. 

The Senate’s executive lounge and canteen will be closed for 14 days to undergo disinfection and sanitation. Senate employees are advised to bring their own food and drinks during the 14-day closure.

“Everyone is reminded to observe all health protocols to ensure safety and protection in and outside one’s workplace,” said Villarica.

Later on during the plenary session, Sotto said the Senate will be placed under lockdown and no session will be held on Tuesday, March 16, since the premises will have to be fully sanitized.

This is after all employees of the Bills and Index Office – whose functions are crucial in running the proceedings – are under quarantine after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

“So with that, we cannot do any amendments, any other bills to take up until the full sanitation is done at least tomorrow. From tonight until tomorrow, there cannot be any session. We cannot do anything without the Bills and Index Office,” said the Senate President.

The Senate continues its semi-lockdown protocols amid a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the Philippines. The country has recorded 626,893 COVID-19 infections, of which 5,404 cases were reported on Monday.

Cities in Metro Manila also agreed to impose uniform curfew hours from 10 pm to 5 am for two weeks starting Monday. – Rappler.com