Zambales gov’t firm on COVID-19 test protocol at borders despite outrage

A delivery rider undergoes a COVID-19 rapid antigen test that costs P800 before passing through the border checkpoints in Zambales province. (Photo by Joanna Rose Aglibot)

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — Despite the growing backlash over the stricter border controls in Zambales, the provincial government stood firm on requiring those entering the province to present negative rapid antigen test results.

The local health and tourism offices said in a joint advisory posted Wednesday on social media that workers crossing the Subic borders every day must take the rapid antigen tests weekly, at the border triage or their rural health units.

On Monday, law enforcers began tightening controls and requiring antigen tests from those entering the province, which halted traffic at the borders.

Aside from the weekly negative rapid antigen tests, all workers in the province are now required to report to their respective barangay health offices and submit a copy of their company IDs, said Dr. Noel Bueno, provincial health director,

The new protocol triggered outrage as most workers, especially the minimum wage earners, could not afford to pay for the antigen test that costs P800.

But Bueno said the provincial government had decided to provide free antigen tests for all of its residents for now.

Despite this, many residents said the lack of official guidelines on the stricter border controls had stirred confusion.

The province is under a modified general community quarantine or the least restrictive quarantine classification in the country.

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