Free Covid-19 tests for QC-based workers

MANILA – Free routine testing is available for agencies, offices, and businesses located in Quezon City as part of efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in workplaces.

The offer, however, is not entirely new as the QC Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) started conducting tests in workplaces under their Kyusi-Industriya I.W.A.S. (Industry-Wide Active Surveillance) sa Covid-19 on June 16.

With the threat of the hyper-transmissible Delta variant, the city’s essential workers are encouraged to avail of the free tests.

As of July 28, a total of 4,932 individuals from 29 agencies and businesses have been tested through the reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction test, according to CESU chief Dr. Rolando Cruz’s report.

Of the total, 199 turned out positive and were taken to the city’s HOPE quarantine facilities.

The Kyusi-Industriya I.W.A.S. program covers factories, call centers, wet and dry markets, private companies, project-based workers, as well as government agencies.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said they want to ensure the safety of the city’s essential workers.

“We want to make sure that our front-liners and essential workers are safe in their respective places of work. We have to be proactive to contain any upsurge of cases, and one way to do that is to offer them free swab testing on a regular basis, regardless of whether they are exhibiting symptoms or not,” Belmonte said in a statement issued on Saturday.

Through expanded testing, Belmonte said the city is assured that workers are not carriers of the virus and will not pose health risks to their families and communities.

Among the agencies and businesses that have so far availed of the program are the Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, SM Fairview, Toyota Fairview, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, police stations, and LBC Express Hub.

Sixteen police stations have undergone tests, including Station 3 where 82 police officers yielded positive results.

Free testing may be arranged by calling 0919-0670473, 0919-0670286, or sending an e-mail to qcsurveillanceworkplace@gmail.com.