Employees of the Navotas City Hall will undergo COVID-19 swab testing before they are allowed to report for work next year.
“Experts said there is a possibility of a dramatic increase of COVID cases after the holidays. We deemed it prudent to have our employees tested for their own safety and the safety of those they come in contact with while working,” said Mayor Toby Tiangco.
All employees, including city officials, are scheduled for swab testing from January 4-8, 2020. They will not be brought to quarantine or isolation if they are not tagged as close contacts of COVID patients or do not show any symptoms.
Last June, employees of the Navotas City Hall also underwent COVID-19 testing.
The city also launched a massive community testing ever since the city-wide lockdown was implemented last July 16.
Aside from this, the city called on Navotas-based companies and informal workers to avail of the city’s free COVID-19 testing.
“Testing is free for all Navotas residents and non-Navotas residents employed by companies in the city. Extensive testing, coupled with immediate quarantine, isolation or treatment, could help us minimize COVID transmission,” adds Tiangco.