Philippines
National
Only workers with COVID-19 symptoms are required RT-PCR tests -- Bello
Only workers with COVID-19 symptoms are required RT-PCR tests -- Bello
Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III on Monday issued a clarification regarding the requirement for real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, or RT–PCR test for workers and employees in identified industries in their Joint Memorandum Circular with the Department of Trade and Industry or the Supplemental Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID-19.
In a statement, he said that the new protocol will be "mandatory only for those personnel with symptoms of the virus."
"For asymptomatic workers and employees, undergoing swab test is highly encouraged," said Bello.
"In both instances, the test shall be at no cost to the workers," he added.
In the JMC, identified to undergo RT–PCR test are workers in the tourist zones, local manufacturing companies, transport and logistics, food retail, education, financial services, non-food retail, services, public market, construction; water supply, sewerage, and waste management and mass media.
Based on the guidelines, sick leave benefits, medical insurance coverage, including supplemental pay allowance, for COVID 19 RT-PCR test-confirmed employees or close contacts made to undergo a 14-day quarantine must also be provided to workers.
To properly manage asymptomatic and symptomatic cases, the DOLE-DTI guideline requires employers to ensure that the employees, regardless of work arrangements, have access to telemedicine services.
It said large and medium private establishments are highly encouraged to provide their telemedicine services, in the absence of an HMO.
Aside from the regular testing, DOLE and DTI also mandate the wearing of face mask and face shield, providing disinfection materials and supplies in strategic areas in workplaces, including company shuttle services.
Adequate ventilation must also be strictly enforced inside the workplace, including the installation of exhaust fans and air filtration devices.
The joint memorandum,which took effect August 15, covers all establishments, projects, sites, including establishments located inside special economic zones and other investment promotion agencies, and all other places where work is being undertaken in all branches of economic activity, except in the public sector.