DOH Says The Philippines Not Capable Of Mass Testing Employees For COVID-19
MASS TESTING – The Department Of Health (DOH) stated that the Philippines isn’t capable of COVID-19 mass testings for employees.
Residents call for mass testing as some areas are easing quarantine restrictions. However, the DOH undersecretary Rosario Vergeire stated that the country doesn’t have the capability of doing so.
Sa ngayon po, hindi po natin ipagkakaila, hindi po natin kaya ang mass testing for all employees kapag gumamit tayo ng RT-PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction) na mga laboratoryo natin
Moreover, Vergeire stated experts in the Philippines don’t recommend mass testing for employees. She explained that mass testing would not guarantee the identification of those infected with the new coronavirus.
Sinasabi po ng mga eksperto, wala pong perpektong measure o laboratoryo na proseso, sa ngayon, para sa COVID-19.
May mami-miss at mami-miss ka pa rin kahit RT-PCR ang gamitin mo.
She added that those who show symptoms of COVID-19 should be prioritized. Moreover, she noted that in this way, they could segregate those who could infect others.
According to an article from GMA, it was Trade Secretary Mon Lopez that suggested mass testing of employees. Additionally, Lopez also suggested that the cost should be shouldered by employers from the private sector.
On March 16, President Rodrigo Duterte implemented an enhanced community quarantine in Luzon. Since then, public transport was limited and mass gatherings were not allowed.
Furthermore, the only businesses allowed to operate were essential ones such as pharmacies and groceries. This left several industries to suspend work.
Currently, the Philippines had documented 11,350 coronavirus cases in the Philippines. Of this number, 2,106 have recovered from the deadly virus while 751 had succumbed to the disease.
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