Gatchalian bats for PCR-based testing among senators, staff who would still come to Senate building

The senators and their limited number of staff who would regularly report for work at the Senate building should be subjected to PCR-based testing for COVID-19 to ensure occupational safety, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Tuesday.

"If we could test using the Red Cross test on the employees, only the skeletal, only those who are intending to come on a regular basis will be tested, then we will have a safer place for the Senate," Gatchalian said in an interview on ANC.

He added that Senator Richard Gordon volunteered the Philippine Red Cross, which the latter chairs, to test the skelton workforce in the Senate through swabbing.

At least 18 Senate employees and staff have tested positive for antibodies in rapid tests conducted prior to the resumption of session at the chamber on Monday, according to information from Senator Panfilo Lacson.

"They went to San Juan de Dios Hospital to conduct their confirmatory test meaning they have to get their test by PCR. PCR is the only way to determine whether they have the virus or if they have contracted the virus," Gatchalian said.

"If they test positive with coronavirus then we will pursue testing their relatives not with rapid test kits but with PCR already and the Senate will initiate the PCR test," he added.

PCR-based test kits are considered by the Department of Health as the "gold standard" in testing since these can detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The rapid test kits, on the other hand, measure antibodies and not the viral load itself.

Senators and their staff will not be required to physically report to the Senate for sessions and hearings after the chamber amended the rules on the conduct of such legislative proceedings, considering the strict quarantine protocols amid the health crisis.

The physical and online attendance of senators will both be honored under this "hybrid" scheme.

"This setup will be for the period wherein we still have a national emergency so as long as there is a threat of COVID-19, this will be the setup in the Senate," Gatchalian said.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, nevertheless, said he would always be present at the session hall from Mondays to Wednesdays to preside.—AOL, GMA News