3 LGUs support random tests

CEBU, Philippines — The city of Talisay and the municipalities of Consolacion and Minglanilla are supporting the randomized testing of employees and suspension of business operations, if an employee is found to be COVID-19 positive.

The two Project Balik Buhay (PBB) guidelines proposed are expected to be included by these LGUs in their executive orders.

“Of course, we are willing to help as far as the guidelines of the PBB is concerned,” Talisay Mayor Samsam Gullas said.

Consolacion Mayor Joannes Alegado and Minglanilla mayor Elanito Pen~a also agreed during an online program aired on Facebook.

The concerned LGUs would be funding the random testing.

“Uyon kaayo ko nga naay pagabuhaton nga random testing ang LGU sa mga establisyemento.  I think it’s very reasonable for the LGU to conduct random testing in our establishments to keep the workers safe,” Alegado added.

By implementing randomized testing, the employees can continue working and the economy will flourish, he pointed out.

“This would also remind everybody that health protocols have to be followed. If there’s an employee who will test positive, it’s a signal that the health protocols (implemented) are inadequate,” Alegado added.

Aside from the random testing of employees, the suspension of business operations in a company has also been tackled.

Pen~a had cited an incident in their town when an employee of a mall was found infected with COVID-19, where they coordinated with the mall owner and conducted contact tracing and decontamination of the mall.

Suspension of operation may only take 24 hours, just enough time to decontaminate and at the same time do the contact tracing.

Employees who were in contact with the COVID-positive worker are required to go on a 14-day quarantine based on the company’s testing and tracing protocols.

The company will then provide proof of compliance with the required workplace health standards and has established proper testing and tracing protocols.

The LGU will only allow reopening of the building, office, store or workplace upon submission of the proof of compliance.

Gullas emphasized the importance of having protocols for testing, contact tracing and isolation not only in the community but also for businesses.

“I want clear protocols on what we have to do,” Gullas said. — GAN (FREEMAN)