By Betheena Unite A strict policy has been implemented at the central office of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Manila, requiring visitors to fill out a screening questionnaire at least a day before seeking entry. The department came up with guidelines for accepting visitors at its central office in Port Area, Manila in order to reduce the risk of transmission of the coronavirus on its premises. A “no confirmation, no entry” rule will be implemented, allowing only “confirmed visitors” to enter the agency’s offices during the general community quarantine. According to Undersecretary for Support Services Ardeliza Medenilla, visitors must present proof of confirmation of their visit at the entrance of the office premises which will be validated by security personnel at the main reception area. All visitors, Medenilla said, must download the visitor screening questionnaire from the department’s website and submit the accomplished form to the office concerned at least one day before the scheduled meeting. Forms will also be provided at the front desk guard for walk-in clients, “but access will depend on the approval of the office concerned inasmuch as face-to-face interaction is limited.” Medenilla said the new guidelines for visitors are pursuant to Department Order No. 34 s. 2020 or the “Basic Hygiene, Workplace Sanitation and Social Distancing Measures to be Observed in the Workplace.” Upon entering the central office, visitors will undergo thermal scanning and disinfection of hands using hand sanitizers and alcohol provided by the department at the office entrances. Anyone with a temperature of 37.5 degrees C and higher will be advised to leave and transact their business via telephone or e-mail. The wearing of a face mask within the establishment at all times is also mandatory. Visitors who do not comply will be denied entry to the office even with a confirmed appointment, Medenilla said. “All unnecessary visitors and personal visitors to the workplace shall be discouraged,” the official said. Visitors were also discouraged from using office phones, desks, and other work tools or equipment, and are required to practice physical distancing of at least one meter away from other people while within the central office. Those who may test positive for COVID-19 within a period of 14 days after their visit to the agency must communicate promptly with the DPWH office visited.