ALTHOUGH coronavirus disease (Covid-19) testing for business establishments is not mandatory, the business community in Cebu City plans to conduct random testing for employees to ensure a safer workplace.
This private sector initiative has the support of the Cebu City Government.
Mayor Edgardo Labella said following discussions with officers of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), it was agreed that businesses will conduct the random Covid-19 tests every two weeks.
Should a worker be found positive for Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, Labella said a granular lockdown will immediately be implemented.
He said the business sector could conduct either of the two types of Covid-19 tests — the rapid diagnostic testing or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.
Labella urged business owners to strictly implement health protocols in their workplaces such as social distancing and the wearing of face masks and face shields.
Roughly three out of five, or 60 percent, of new infections in Cebu City in the last five days have been traced to the workplace, presenting new challenges in the battle against Covid-19 and prompting the
Emergency Operations Center in Cebu City to shift their focus to the business sector.
On Aug. 18, 2020, assigned deputy chief implementer for the Visayas Melquiades Feliciano said they were coordinating with the CCCI in ensuring workplace safety.
They were also tapping the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) at the Cebu City Hall in reaching out to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Earlier, BPLO head Jared Limquiaco said the BPLO is monitoring around 50 establishments in the city after some of their workers were found positive for Covid-19.
Two establishments in the city were also placed under granular lockdown — a hotel whose granular lockdown was lifted recently and a business process outsourcing (BPO) company that is set to complete its 14-day lockdown on Aug. 27. / JJL