Las Piñas trike drivers, garbage collectors to be tested for COVID-19

The Las Piñas City tricycle drivers and garbage collectors would be among those who would be included in the city government's COVID-19 mass testing effort as employees resumed work under the modified enhanced community quarantine.

The mass testing started in Las Piñas City on Tuesday, according to a 24 Oras report by Katrina Son.

"Pupuntahan namin ang bawat barangay to cater doon sa mga gusto na magpa-mass testing. Ito ang biggest step. At least gusto kong i-safe guard ang mga Las Piñeros," Las Piñas Mayor Imelda Aguilar said.

About 300 to 500 frontliners were rapid and PCR tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday. The Las Pinas City LGU will target one whole barangay per day, free of charge for residents.

"Para po sa kapakanan ng mga palero, mga naghahakot ng basura kasi hindi po namin alam kung ano 'yung sakit na kalaban namin. Tsaka 'yung hinahakutan naming ruta baka merong may sakit doon na positive sila sa COVID-19," said garbage collector Jilboy Lastomen.

Lastomen's fellow garbage collectors were also relieved to be included in the mass testing.

"Malaki po ang maitutulong sa amin po, para sa kaligtasan din po namin," another garbage collector said.

Meanwhile, tricycle drivers would not be allowed to operate without a PCR or rapid test.

Some tricycle drivers agreed to the policy and were willing to wait for days.

"Para sa kaligtasan din namin tsaka ng pasahero," a triycle driver said.

"Pabor ako po... sana ma-swab testing din kami kasi hindi po namin alam 'yung virus na baka mahawa namin sa kapwa namin pasahero," another driver said. — Jamil Santos/DVM, GMA News