Jitters as cheap Covid-19 tests cause long queues

PETALING JAYA – Tenants of Phileo Damansara II here are up in arms over a clinic that is offering cheap Covid-19 testing.

With long queues of people using common elevators to the clinic on the third floor of Block B, other tenants there have raised their fears of a “Phileo cluster”.

“The narrow lifts and corridors are not meant for social distancing and the last thing we need are Covid-19 positive people using our facilities and being in our building,” said one tenant who declined to be named.

The RTK-Antigen testing is open to all and only costs RM70 each. An initiative of Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran it has been held as a welcome respite for those who cannot afford the swab tests that can go up to RM300 each.

He told The Vibes that he has yet to receive public complaints regarding the testing being carried out in the building.

“But the fact that you have pointed this out shows that there is a dire need from the general population for mass, affordable testing.”

He said in his previous statements, he has been urging the government to step up its testing capacity by making them available and affordable for the general population. 

He also called on the government to rope in private clinics, and conduct more mass testing on site via setting up of tents and other methods.

However not all are appreciative as one legal firm had written to the clinic and building management service providers Henry Butcher Malaysia Sdn Bhd threatening action if any one of their staff contracts the virus from the premises.

“We wish to make it clear to you that having Covid-19 tests carried out in an office building with limited corridor and lift space available, and with long queues forming as patients await testing is entirely unacceptable and in blatant disregard of Ministry of Health requirements,” the letter reads.

The letter that was sighted by the Vibes added that the staff has experienced “great anxiety” with a number of them reluctant to work at the office as the firm is directly above the clinic.

It added that should any of the staff contract the virus, the clinic and Henry Butcher will be held legally responsible. 

The Vibes has also reached out to Henry Butcher Malaysia for comment on the matter but has yet to receive a response. – The Vibes, January 12, 2021