Last updated on November 29th, 2020
Free Covid-19 screening for Quezon City Micro Entrepreneurs and Enterprises
For employers to ensure the health of their employees and themselves as they reopen for business, the Quezon City Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office (SBCDPO) with assistance from the City Health Department is offering free COVID-19 screening for QC-based micro entrepreneurs and enterprises. Self-employed individuals and businesses with up to 9 employees and less than PhP 3 million in assets could avail of the free screening by sending proof of business activity and bringing a valid ID to the screening.
Thus far, three batches of micro entrepreneurs and enterprises were screened for COVID-19 across a four-week period, reaching a total of 617 individuals screened with more to be screened in the coming weeks.
There are three main reasons to explain the large number of citizens who have undergone screening. First, undergoing the screening is completely free, care of the SBCDPO. All you need to worry about is sending and showing the correct requirements. Second, employers register their employees for screening. Being an employer makes you responsible if you allow a COVID-positive employee to go to work and possibly spread the disease to others. Third, passing the screening grants you a certificate that declares you are fit for work. This certificate is important to show that you have gone through additional measures for your employees’ and your customers’ safety.
Because micro-entrepreneurs and enterprises can’t afford to pay for screening or testing themselves, the QC LGU is offering it to them for free. Other LGUs may want to consider implementing this program to encourage more businesses to reopen.