DOJ eyes COVID-19 rapid tests for employees post-lockdown

The Department of Justice (DOJ) intends to conduct COVID-19 rapid tests for its employees at least on a random basis when on-site work resumes after the lockdown of its compound in Manila, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Thursday.

Guevarra told Super Radyo dzBB that "we intend to do this repeatedly from time to time, kahit siguro random basis gagawin namin 'yan."

He said it is possible that not all employees will be tested as rapid test kits are in high demand. He said they will use what test kits they could find.

"So much the better kung we have enough testing kits para lahat ay ma-subject ulit sa rapid test from time to time," he said.

Five employees at the DOJ — three from the DOJ proper, one in a field office, and one outsourced security guard — have tested positive for COVID-19, prompting a lockdown of the DOJ complex in Padre Faura, Manila until June 28.

Guevarra said much of the department's work could be done from home. On-site work will resume on June 29.

Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete said they have enlisted the help of the Department of Health for contact tracing.

Guevarra said he has tested negative for COVID-19 through rapid testing three times and that he may undergo a confirmatory test "one of these days." — Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/RSJ, GMA News