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Manila, Philippines – Senate President Vicente Sotto III is asking the government to expand mass tests for the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as areas currently under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) anticipate a transition to a period of community quarantine. general more relaxed.
In a statement released over the weekend, Sotto said coverage of mass testing by the Department of Health (DOH) should be expanded to cover more people, especially those who will soon be able to return to work under GCQ status.
The senator expressed concern that the majority of workers will return to their workplaces even though the rate of COVID-19 infections remains high, especially in Metro Manila.
Sotto said that in the Senate, 20 employees tested positive during a snap test conducted when sessions resumed last Monday.
He said this should serve as a revelation to government leaders and the general population who have been pushing for relaxation of quarantine rules, even as the threat of coronavirus remains high.
“These employees duly complied with the order to stay in the government home. They stayed inside their homes for almost two months. They were not exposed to anyone who is sick with COVID-19. They didn’t show or feel any of the symptoms, “he said.
“Kung sila na nasa bahay lang and sumunod in all health protocols are positive for the virus, follow the life of the community and improve quarantine in the community and worldwide are in danger,” he said. additional.
Sotto emphasized that an expanded mass test will give health officials “a clearer picture of the extent of COVID-19 transmission and infection.”
He said the results of expanded coverage of mass testing will also serve to warn government leaders not to prematurely lift the current ECQ in Metro Manila and other areas and expedite their transition to general or relaxed quarantine.
“It may be the result of a massive mass test for most people in the UK on the ECQ. The premature lifting of strict quarantine regulation could lead to a second worse wave of COVID-19,” Sotto said.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque previously said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) will discuss its final recommendations on Monday on the fate of the improved community quarantine in Metro Manila.
After their meeting on Monday morning, the IATF will present its recommendations to President Rodrigo Duterte for his final decision on the matter.
Metro Manila and other areas of the country with high cases of COVID-19 have been placed under ECQ until May 15.
