Contact Tracing Now a Course Offered in TESDA

With the COVID19 vaccine still far off, it looks like the need for contact tracers is here to stay. Anticipating the governments need for competent people who will serve in the frontlines of this virus outbreak, TESDA has launched a new course that trains people specifically for this task.

Starting this September, the contact tracing course will be centered on regions with high cases of the coronavirus. Bearing in mind the immediate need, this course will only be for 15 days and is available absolutely for free.

The course will tackle basic competencies such as communication skills, working skills, first aid, and proper contract tracing. Taking in the valuable knowledge of the experts, the course syllabus was formulated with the help of and after a thorough discussion with experienced contact tracers and the Department of Health.

According to TESDA’s deputy director-general Lina Sarmiento, the program will be done mostly online, limiting physical classes to only the most necessary situations. Bearing in mind the age restrictions, the course will only be available for those who are aged 21 years old to 59. Other requirements include basic education of 10 years or at least having graduated from Grade 10. Interested applicants can go to TESDA’s website and submit their application form.

Local Government Positions

Once those who took the course have graduated, their local governments can absorb them to be part of the local contact tracing team. Depending on the local government, these new frontliners will have a daily allowance of Php160 and be given a one-time Php500 allowance for their PPE. Insurance worth Php100 will also be given.

As a final word, Sarmiento also adds that TESDA’s graduates of health-related courses will also be given basic courses in contract tracing to augment their knowledge and better equip them for the new normal. With the DILG reporting a need for more than 50,000 contact tracers by September and even more as the government attempts to control the spread of the virus, TESDA’s course offering is timely and an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to be part of this fight against the pandemic.

Make sure to check out TESDA’s online courses here.