As May 15 ECQ deadline nears, Sotto calls for expanded mass COVID-19 testing

MANILA, Philippines — As Filipinos anticipate the easing out of enhanced community quarantine status, Senate President Vicente Sotto III is pushing for an increase in mass testing coverage.

Sotto, in a press release on Sunday, said he was concerned that most workers will soon be allowed to go back to work, yet the COVID-19 infection rate remains high, especially in Metro Manila.

At the Senate, he said 20 employees tested positive for coronavirus during a rapid testing conducted when sessions resumed last Monday.

This, he said, should serve as an eye-opener to government leaders and the general population who have been calling for the relaxation of quarantine rules.

“These employees duly complied with the stay-at-home order of the government. They just stayed inside their homes for almost two months. They were not exposed to anyone who is sick of COVID-19. They did not show and feel any of the symptoms. Kung sila na nasa bahay lang at sumunod sa lahat ng health protocols ay nag-positive sa virus, siguradong mas malala ang pwedeng mangyari kung ma-lift na ang enhanced community quarantine at ang lahat ay papayagan ng lumabas ng kanilang mga bahay,” he said.

An expanded mass testing would give a “clearer picture of the extent of COVID-19 transmission and infection.” The results, he said, could be as a guide for the government officials who are looking at prematurely lifting the enhanced community quarantine.

“Magagabayan ng resulta ng mas malawak na mass testing ang ating mga lider para sila ay maghinay-hinay sa pagbuo ng desisyon ukol sa pagtanggal ng ECQ. The premature lifting of the strict quarantine regulation could lead to a worse second COVID-19 wave,” he said.