SEVEN employees of major telecommunications companies here were tested for Covid-19 by private medical diagnostic laboratories. They tested positive based on inconclusive results of rapid antibody tests.
This drew the ire of the local authorities here after the employees were sent home without undergoing isolation and the confirmatory Xpert Express PCR tests.
Mayor Oscar Moreno said the companies and private laboratories did not inform health authorities and the city government of the tests conducted on the employees.
“It is irresponsible for them to conduct the tests and then leave the employees to fend for themselves,” Moreno said.
City Health Office epidemiologist Joselito Retuya said they were informed of the incident after one of the seven employees informed health workers in Barangay Agusan where he resides that he tested positive for Covid-19 in the rapid antibody tests.
Retuya said the companies and laboratories should have informed the City Health Office so the employees can be given more tests through Xpert Express PCR.
He said word that seven employees tested positive quickly spread on social network, alarming residents here.
“These companies are reckless. What they have done could spread the virus in the city,” Moreno said.
Moreno warned at least three private diagnostic laboratories that their business license would be revoked if they continue conducting rapid tests without informing authorities.
He also demanded from the companies to explain why they conducted the tests without informing authorities.
Moreno said the companies and laboratories violated some provisions of the Republic Act 11469 or “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.” (Froilan Gallardo)
