Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera asked on Sunday the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to require private companies and local government units (LGUs) to have their employees undergo rapid testing for COVID-19 infection before they return to work, saying that it is “the only way to get back to a semblance of normalcy.”
She cited the need for the IATF to set the guidelines for workers, especially in areas where the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) will be lifted on April 30.
“Mass testing of workers is a must to ensure the safety of everyone and to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19 in areas that will no longer be covered by ECQ starting May 1, which happens to be Labor Day,” Herrera said in a statement.
Only those who test negative for the virus will be allowed to return to work, she said. She asked the local government units (LGUs) to put in place a system or protocol, especially in transporting workers who will test positive for COVID-19 to hospitals or quarantine facilities, depending on the gravity or weakness of the symptoms.
“Those who have symptoms, such as fever, cough, colds and sore throat, should not be allowed to return to work even if their test was negative,” she added.
The House Deputy Majority Leader proposed that tax credit or any incentive be offered to the private companies to ensure that cost of the testing will not be passed on to the consumers.
“The IATF may coordinate with the Department of Finance and the Department of Trade and Industry on how the government can help private companies comply with the testing requirement,” Herrera said.
“It can be in the form of tax credit or allowing companies to declare the cost of the testing as deductible expenses that can be subtracted from their income before it is subject to taxation,” she added.
She also sought the mandatory disinfection of all workplaces daily, even as she urged the IATF to require private companies to prepare sufficient protective supplies for their employees.
“Disinfection must be done on a daily basis and employees returning to work must be provided with appropriate protective equipment, particularly face mask and face shield, and ensure they have space to be at least two meters apart,” she said.
She even reminded that protocols on social distancing should be strictly observed, and must be considered as part of the “new normal.” (Charissa M. Luci-Atienza)
