DILG: COVID-19 tests not mandatory for returning workers

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reminded local government units (LGUs) that requiring personnel to undergo COVID-19 tests before returning to work is not mandatory.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año stated that no law or order from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), DILG, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), or Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) mandates such testing.

Companies may require employees to undergo rapid antibody tests, with the cost to be shouldered by the company.

Only employees exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 must be tested.

Instead of mandatory testing, companies and LGUs must conduct screening or diagnostic tests for returning workers.

Tests are deemed necessary for individuals with a travel history to COVID-19 hit countries, those showing symptoms, or those exposed to a confirmed positive case.

The DILG encouraged companies to have returning employees fill out disclosure forms detailing their activities for the past 14 days.

Año also urged companies, employees, and LGUs to practice minimum health standards, including wearing face masks and observing physical distancing, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the workplace.