Consolacion workers undergo swab test

CEBU, Philippines —  Employees of the Municipality of Consolacion have gone through a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test or swab testing.

The swab test, which started last September 11, aims to get the specimens of over 500 local government employees to see who among them are infected with the coronavirus disease.

“All are highly encouraged so that we could really determine that everyone is COVID-free for the time being,” said Mayor Joannes Alegado.

Those who refused to be tested have to explain for evaluation and monitoring.

The LGU finds it necessary for its employees to get tested as they are considered frontliners as they are the ones facing the transacting public.

Not all employees get tested in a day to see to it the operation of the LGU is not hampered.

“We are doing it in batches so as not to hamper the services of the municipality,” Alegado said

Dr. Fe Pardillo, municipal health officer, said those who were already swabbed were advised to go home and undergo self-isolation until they get the result.

According to LGU-Consolacion Facebook page, the result will come out after three days.

Those who will be positive of COVID-19 will still receive their salary even if they are under quarantine.

“Dugang sa mayor nga ang regular employee hatagan og COVID-19 leave diin dili makuhaan ang leave credits niini ug gitugutan kini sa kasamtangan nga sitwasyon gumikan kay ang lokal nga pangagamhanan man ang nagpasiugda sa maong kalihukan,” according to the LGU Consolacion Facebook post.

The employees will also receive assistance from the LGU. — GMR (FREEMAN)