The Manila International Airport Authority has ordered a temporary closure of all smoking areas in all terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airport to further prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease.
“In line with the directives of the National Government to restrain the spread of COVID-19, please be advised that MIAA will implement a temporary closure of all smoking areas within the NAIA terminal,” the MIAA management said in a statement.
“As smoking demands the individual to remove the required face mask and face shield, and also disobey the physical distancing measures of persons gathering in one area, this temporary ban serves a reminder to all for strict compliance with the standard health protocols,” it added.
The Department of Health had explained that smokers, whose immune systems are already compromised, are likely to be more susceptible to COVID-19.
It stated that the act of smoking means that fingers (and possibly contaminated cigarettes) are in contact with lips which increases the possibility of transmission of virus from hand to mouth.
Smokers may also have lung disease or reduced lung capacity which would greatly increase risk of serious illness, said the DOH, citing World Health Organization data indicating that conditions that increase oxygen needs or reduce the ability of the body to use it properly will put patients at higher risk of the consequences of bilateral viral pneumonia.
MIAA general manager Eddie Monreal recently formed a team and established a COVID-19 hotline aimed at ensuring proper enforcement of safety measures imposed by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“The government is making efforts to lessen the unwanted impact of the pandemic in our economy. Being a vital part of the aviation industry, airport must keep its operations going. Our employees are essential to our operations and the best we can do is give them a safe workplace,” said Monreal.
The airport authority created the COVID-19 Task Force to secure the response of health-related services on suspected cases. The Task Force established occupational safety and health standards to prevent, control and mitigate the spread of the infectious disease.
To ensure immediate response, Hotline 3187, a 24/7 dedicated extension line, was also established where queries of MIAA personnel and that of its service providers may be directed.
