In some ways the real story is that the MoH cannot take a decision to let some staff keep working if they are found to bee infected - presumably because they are not easily replacable. It is easier for them to bypass the rule by not testing (or suppressing the results of tests) then having the autonomy to take such a decision on a case-by-case basis.

Seen in this light, this is depressingly familiar and universal. Seemingly strange actions basically necessiated because of bureaucratic inflexibility.