40 DOJ personnel found with COVID-19 through rapid antibody test
By Jeffrey Damicog
A total of 40 personnel of the Department of Justice (DOJ) have been found infected with the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through rapid antibody testing.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra confirmed that as of Thursday afternoon, June 9, a total of 40 the department’s personnel have been found with the virus.
“But note that this is through rapid tests only,” the Secretary said about the testing that was done.
“Subject to a more reliable swab test pa yan (They will have to undergo more reliable swab test),” said Guevarra who noted that the 40 persons will be subjected to confirmatory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
Guevarra said that rapid antibody tests were conducted last Friday, June 5, and Tuesday, June 9.
During Friday’s rapid antibody test, Guevarra said two security guards and one utility personnel turned up positive.
“They were immediately asked to stop reporting for work and to undergo a swab test,” he recounted.
Meanwhile, Guevarra said the DOJ will continue to disinfect in the hopes of keeping out the virus. “We've disinfected the premises over the weekend, and we'll do it all over again,” he said.
“We'll also decide if we need to suspend all work on site in the meantime,” he added.
The DOJ will hold another rapid antibody test for its employees on Wednesday, June 10.