Employees with no COVID symptoms not required to undergo RT-PCR tests — Duterte

Employees are not required to undergo the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for coronavirus to return to work if they are asymptomatic or do not show symptoms of the illness, President Duterte said Monday night.

The President made the clarification about the testing effort after recognizing that small businesses are “barely surviving” during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Let me clarify, ang RT-PCR. Repeat, RT. T. RT-PCR, or antibodybased tests are not recommended or required for asymptomatic employees returning to work. Hindi kailangan (It’s not needed),” he said during his televised address Monday night.

The President, however, said “priority workers” including frontline workers and those in the hospitality and tourism sectors, “may undergo” coronavirus testing that should be free of charge.

Workers of manufacturing companies and public service providers registered in economic zones located in special concern areas may also be tested for coronavirus.

“’Yung service providers ng mga special kagaya ng Clark, Subic, and special place where the workers are exposed to COVID-19 na they are required because also of the product. The integrity of the product is assured that it is COVID-free or at least sanitized,” Duterte said.

Frontline and economic priority workers are also urged to undergo testing, according to the President.

“The employers, ‘yung mga amo, are highly encouraged to send their employees for testing at no cost to the employees,” Duterte said.

The intensified testing effort is part of the government’s strategy to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the country.

More than 164,000 people have been infected with the coronavirus in the country so far. The death toll has reached 2,681 as of August 17.