The National Inter-Agency Task Force announced today, November 12, that employers may require unvaccinated employees who are eligible to get inoculated to undergo regular RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen Testing at their own expense in areas where vaccines against COVID-19 are sufficient.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press briefing that the vaccination of all eligible employees doing on-site work will be required and implemented by the private and public entities. Those who refuse to get vaccinated will not be terminated but will have to undergo frequent COVID-19 tests at their own expense.
Employees shall not be deemed absent on the day they get inoculated as long as they can provide proof of a “confirmed vaccination schedule”. And those who are not fit to get the jab can present “a medical clearance issued by the government health office, or birth certificates, as case may be, shall serve as sufficient and valid proof of ineligibility for vaccination.”
Those working in public transportation services such as road, rail, maritime, and aviation are also required to be vaccinated.
On the other hand, public and private establishments may “refuse entry and/or deny services” to those who are partially vaccinated or eligible but refused vaccination.
Businesses are also required to present or ask proof of vaccination of its employees and customers.
The IATF also urged the Local Government Units (LGUs) to give incentives to those who are fully vaccinated and prioritize them when availang of services or programs by the government.
The new mandate, which will be effective on December 1, 2021, is a measure that the national government deemed fit to ramp up the number of vaccinees in the country and the demand for the vaccines.
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