DOLE, DTI mandate regular COVID-19 tests for workers

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said that workers in several sectors will be required to undergo regular real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests.
The said measure, which took effect Saturday (August 15), is contained in the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 20-04 series of 2020, or DTI and DOLE Supplemental Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID-19.
It aims at preventing the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in workplaces, according to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.
It covers all workers in the hospitality and tourism sectors, manufacturing companies, including frontline and economic priority employees.
The Secretary emphasized, however, that the tests must be administered free of charge.
“The COVID-19 testing must be at no cost to the employees,” he said.
“This is so far the most comprehensive set of guidelines for the safety and protection of workers and employees in workplaces. The strict observance of these health protocols will make a big difference in our long-drawn battle to defeat Covid 19 and ensure the productivity of the Filipino workforce,” he added.
Specifically identified to undergo the RT–PCR test include workers in:
- tourist zones
- local manufacturing companies
- transport and logistics
- food retail
- education
- financial services
- non-food retail services
- public market
- construction
- water supply
- sewerage and waste management
- public sector
- mass media
The joint memorandum covers all establishments, projects, sites, including establishments located inside special economic zones and other investment promotion agencies, and all other places where work is being undertaken in all branches of economic activity, except in the public sector.
The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) said it still need to clarify the details of the memorandum with DOLE.
According to ECOP President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., about 90% of businesses in the country are micro enterprises and about 50% of them have already closed.
ECOP said these enterprises might decide to permanently close due to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis.
“Even nga iyong small matters like face mask and face shield, issue pa rin sa ibang kumpanya. Napakaliit na bagay noon. Iyong testing pa ba [Even the small matters like face masks and face shield remain an issue with other companies. Those are actually small items. How much more with the (RT-PCR) testing],” Luis concluded. MNP (with inputs from Rey Pelayo)