Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 18) — While testing all employees for COVID-19 before returning to work is not mandatory, the Parañaque government is requiring employers to test their workers as several businesses reopened on May 16.
In an executive order issued by Mayor Edwin Olivarez, employers should have their employees tested to ensure that only Covid-free people are working.
But Parañaque City administrator Fernando Soriano clarified, this is not a requirement before establishments open. Instead, workers may undergo COVID-19 testing within seven days since they began their duty.
“The mere fact that they are operating in the city, then we demand that they must have the testing. But that is not, again, a prerequisite. They can resume now, but during their work, continuing their work, in a period of seven days they must have a testing for employees,” Soriano said.
Soriano said this is still in line with the national government’s guidelines in fighting the coronavirus disease.
“We believe this is in harmony with the national guidelines issued by the national government. Because the whole purpose of this one, with respect on the policy on Covid, is to fight against it,” he added.
The local government says only FDA- approved test kits must be used in testing workers.
However, employers must find a government accredited testing facility on their own. They will also shoulder the cost of each test.
“Marami tayong accredited laboratory (We have a lot of accredited laboratories), but we are not endorsing. It’s up to them. After all, we have a public hospital in the city, Ospital ng Parañaque 1, Ospital ng Parañaque 2. If they want to avail our services it’s fine,” Soriano said.
The city government is also asking employers and employees to avoid going out of their workplace and limit interactions with people outside work.
Health spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire reiterated on Monday, the Department of Health does not recommend COVID-19 test for individuals who do not have any symptoms of infection, or had no exposure to any suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patient.
