Builders: There is chaos in the testing system; we must help ourselves

Prague – Mandatory testing for coronavirus is chaotic, government regulations are confusing and often incomprehensible. The state has shifted the responsibility for testing onto entrepreneurs and companies. Moreover, the fact that it threatens sanctions is outrageous. This follows from the responses of representatives of construction companies with 50 to 249 employees, which CTK contacted today. For safety and logistical reasons, they opted for the method of self-testing.

The government approved mandatory testing in companies on Monday. Businesses with 50 to 249 employees will start testing on Friday, and all workers must have their tests completed by March 15.

"We have always taken care of our employees without state assistance. The current chaos in the system of measures, its frequent changes, and the related bureaucracy make it difficult for us. But we have already gotten used to that. It’s all like a bad joke. The state, which could not organize mass testing for an entire year, has now shifted it onto entrepreneurs and companies that must manage it in a week. And it even threatens them with sanctions. That is an outrage," said Jan Hasík, director of HSF System.

Since most employees work on projects outside the company's headquarters, HSF System will use the self-testing method, according to him. He further stated that the company has secured the necessary test kits and will start testing next week to comply with government regulations. A directive has been created that clearly sets out the procedures and frequency of testing.

"Because the government regulations are very confusing, chaotic, and often incomprehensible, we have to take care of ourselves. Currently, we are about to finalize an agreement with a private company that conducts testing. I believe we will be able to ensure testing for our employees within the required timeframe. Coordinating employees on the day of testing is particularly complicated and restrictive," added Josef Kubík, managing director of Daich.

According to him, stopping production on the day of vaccination would be limiting and also costly for the company, along with the related administration, finances, and so on. "Personally, together with my colleague, we have taken on the responsibility not only for the management and functioning of the company in construction but also for the role of safety and logistics coordinator in connection with government measures," Kubík further stated.

Tomáš Kočí, a member of the board of directors of the company Kočí, stated that after initial confusing information about the start dates for testing, the company searched for suppliers and eventually managed to secure saliva tests thanks to the Chamber of Commerce. "However, only from March 15, because by Wednesday everything was sold out everywhere. Currently, we are still looking for a supplier for the first week of testing. For logistical and safety reasons, we opted for self-collection. Since we have construction sites in the Písek area and in Prague, gathering all employees at one time at the company management or sending them to a hospital does not bring us much benefit," added Kočí.