After reports that the 2019 novel coronavirus has surpassed the global death toll of the 2003 SARS outbreak, Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday encouraged the private sector to ensure the protection of workers and to provide a ‘work from home’ option for its employees.
“Everybody should be safe. This is our priority,” Hontiveros said. She expressed concern over reports that the coronavirus has infected approximately 40,000 people and killed at least 910 people in the span of one month, while the 2003 SARS outbreak killed 774 people in the span of eight months.
“Form the employees who can do ‘work from home,’ there should be option,” Hontiveros said.
She said if there is no need for an employee to take public transportation everyday, their health can be well taken care of if working at home.
The senator also urged employers to provide necessary protective measures for their employees inside the workplace.