Pasig City mulling mandatory coronavirus tests for returning workers

MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Pasig City is mulling to require rapid antibody tests for returning workers as Metro Manila eases quarantine restrictions.

“We want to require rapid testing then confirmatory PCR (polymerase chain reaction) [tests] here in Pasig,” Mayor Vico Sotto said in a tweet on Monday, reacting to a statement of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Sunday that employees are not required to undergo a coronavirus test prior to returning to work.

Sotto said the city government can then be the one to facilitate the PCR tests, which yield more accurate results compared to rapid antibody tests.

We want to require Rapid Testing then Confirmatory PCR here in Pasig.. LGU can take care of the confirmatory PCR testing but the problem is:

where will small companies get Rapid Test Kits? Even our LGU is having a hard time w this. Delays w delivery. Fakes proliferating. pic.twitter.com/LzxJykEQxX

— Vico Sotto (@VicoSotto) May 18, 2020

The mayor, however, recognized that employers may encounter a problem with the availability of rapid test kits if the city will require returning employees to undergo testing for the new coronavirus.

“Where will small companies get rapid test kits? Even our LGU is having a hard time with this. Delays with delivery. Fakes proliferating,” he said.

In a Viber message to reporters, Vergeire said the Department of Health did not recommend COVID-19 testing for those who did not have any exposure to any suspected or confirmed patient of the disease.

“Our protocol is to guide employers. We have emphasized that symptomatic screening is ideal, and test only when symptomatic,” she explained.

Metro Manila, home to Pasig City, was placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from the former ECQ beginning May 16 until May 31.

The following protocols are allowed in areas under MECQ: limited movement of people to get essential services and to go to work; gradual reopening of the economy with select manufacturing and processing plants allowed to open up to a maximum of 50 percent capacity; limited transportation services for essential goods and services, and; limited transportation for those going to work and for availing essential services.