Philippines gaming regulator PAGCOR says it has been working with government entities to ensure all of its employees receive a booster shot against COVID-19 after reaching a near 100% double dosed vaccination rate.
According to information released by the regulator on Wednesday, 99.59% or 12,002 of its 12,051 employees are now vaccinated with only 49 individuals unable to do so due to health reasons. Those individuals are either on leave or working from home to ensure that all of PAGCOR’s gaming venues and work areas are manned by fully vaccinated personnel.
PAGCOR also said that 60% of its vaccinated employees have now received a booster shot thanks to the agency’s work with host city local governments and the Metro Manila Development Authority.
“We want our customers to feel safe and comfortable when they visit our establishments … that is why we aimed for a 100% vaccination rate among our personnel to thwart incidences of infection among employees and guests,” said PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Andrea Domingo.
Domingo also noted that its gaming venues had taken a range of measures to protect customers.
“We have seen how the pandemic has taken a toll on our revenue generation and contributions to nation-building, particularly our remittances to national coffers,” she said. “To stay committed to our mission, and at the same time to ensure the welfare of employees and guests, our Casino Filipino (CF) branches and Satellite Operations Groups (SOGs) have upped the ante by taking further safety procedures in their properties.”
PAGCOR said common safety measures in place across its properties include compliance with government-mandated minimum public health standards (MPHS), securing Safety Seal Certificates from respective local government units, use of contact tracing and the COVID-19 screening app, daily symptom monitoring of employees and implementing PAGCOR’s QR Code-based Casino Customer Information System.
It also requires temperature checks at customer and employee processing points, heightened cleaning and sanitation of gaming facilities and physical distancing measures among other measures.