HCMC – Enterprises can conduct regular Covid-19 tests for their workers, except for those who either got two vaccine shots or recovered from the disease within the past six months, according to the Ministry of Health.
The ministry on September 30 issued new guidelines on testing, which make clear that businesses take full responsibility for the test results of their staff, the local media reported.
In cities and provinces where the risk of coronavirus transmission is extremely high, at least 20% of workers in high-risk groups must be tested on a weekly basis. The weekly testing requirement also applies to providers of food, services and materials for enterprises.
In cities and provinces at a moderate or high risk of transmission, a minimum of 5%-10% of workers must take tests every two weeks. The same requirement applies to all employees of providers of services for enterprises.
As for drivers active in interprovincial cargo transportation, they must be tested by clinics. Their negative test results are valid for 72 hours.
Enterprises have also been allowed to do rapid tests under the guidance of the provincial or municipal Centers for Disease Control or district-level medical centers.
Enterprises must be responsible for the quality, process and result of tests, while district-level medical centers will handle Covid cases detected.
The test results must be reported to the medical centers of districts where enterprises are located within two hours after conducting the tests and infection cases must be reported immediately.
Many enterprises have complained about the high cost of Covid tests. Meanwhile, the severe shortage of workers and different testing regulations have hindered enterprises’ resumption of operations.
