Mass testing of Pangasinan town workers sought

STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan, Philippines – The management of big companies operating in this town have been asked to conduct mass testing of their workers for coronavirus disease 2019.

Mayor Joel delos Santos said they are coordinating with concerned companies.

At least 113 workers of a  company were found infected over the weekend. The company has been placed on lockdown for 14 days starting Oct. 3.

Delos Santos said workers would be allowed to report for work only if they tested negative in their second swab test.

“This should serve as a wake-up call to other companies,” Delos Santos said.

Barangays Tebag West, Minien West, Matic-matic, Banaoang, Leet, Ventenilla and Cablong in this town, where an increase in the number of confirmed cases were recorded, were locked down.

Meanwhile, in Catbalogan City in Samar, two barangays were placed under enhanced community quarantine or ECQ to prevent the spread of the virus.

Catbalogan recorded 18 new cases on Tuesday. Ninety-six are active cases.

Mayor Dexter Uy issued an executive order on containment measures to be implemented in areas under ECQ or modified general community quarantine, which he said would be in effect ”until earlier revoked or extended by subsequent issuances.” – Miriam Desacada