The Hall of Justice in Marawi City will start implementing strict health protocols starting Monday due to the increasing number of confirmed coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in the locality.

Executive Judge Wenida Papandayan said on Sunday that no walk-in inquiries, requests and transactions shall be entertained, which is also pursuant to the Supreme Court Administrative Circular No. 41-2020.

Visitors and other court users who have queries, requests and transaction should first call the hotline numbers and connect to the email addresses of the concerned court or office “in order to be guided”.

“Should there be a need to go inside the court of office, the visitors or court users shall first secure their approved ‘entry slip’ from the concerned court or office by calling the latter’s hotline number. No approved entry slip, no entry. All courts and offices concerned are urged to post their hotline numbers and e-mail addresses outside the Hall of Justice building. They are encouraged to constantly monitor their phones, hotline numbers and email addresses,” Papandayan said.

The wearing of face mask is also strictly required.

On Aug. 4-7, the Hall of Justice was closed for intensive disinfection after the husband of one of the staff of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) tested positive for Covid-19 while being admitted at Amai Pakpak Medical Center as regular dialysis patient.

Marawi City Health Officer Dr. Ali Dalidig said the PAO staff, who was exposed to her husband, reported to the office on Aug. 3, the day the latter’s swab test result was released.

The children and 13 fellow employees of the PAO staff were subjected to rapid diagnostic tests. Although they were found non-reactive, they were advised to undergo a strict home quarantine. (PNA)