GMA News
All immigration employees told to undergo rapid test for COVID-19
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has mandated rapid COVID-19 testing for all its over 3,000 officials and employees nationwide to protect them and the public.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente stated that employees refusing the test will not be permitted to work, emphasizing the need for compulsory testing due to rising COVID-19 cases.
Mandatory testing began Wednesday at the BI's main office in Intramuros, Manila, with assistance from the Manila city government.
An employee at the BI's main office tested positive for COVID-19 this week, highlighting the urgency of the measure.
Accredited liaison officers and representatives of travel and law offices must also undergo the test to be allowed entry into BI premises.
Employees in field offices outside Metro Manila are directed to coordinate with their respective Local Government Units for free COVID tests.
Only about one-third of BI's 3,157 employees participated in previous voluntary rapid tests conducted at various BI locations.
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