9 LSI Tests Positive For COVID-19 In Rizal Memorial Sports Complex
HATID TULONG – Around 8 to 9 locally stranded individuals (LSI) in Rizal Memorial Sports Complex tested positive for the new coronavirus, COVID-19.
Previously, the “Hatid Tulong” program drew massive criticism due to a lack of social distancing among stranded individuals in the venue. Due to the lack of public transportation amid the quarantine, thousands gathered in the venue in hopes of getting a ride home.
According to Presidential Management Staff Assistant Secretary Joseph Encabo around 6,000 LSI came for a chance to avail the government’s free transportation program.
However, photos of the venue revealed that there was little to no social distancing present, inciting fears of a potential spread among the LSI. Sadly, according to a report from ABS-CBN, this could be the case as 8-9 of the LSI tested positive for COVID-19 in the rapid tests.
Encabo stressed that those who tested positive for the virus in the confirmatory swab test would immediately be quarantined. Meanwhile, those who have come in close contact with the positive individuals would also undergo a 14-day quarantine in their province.
As a response to the criticisms, Encabo said that the government chose “the lesser evil” when it allowed thousands of individuals inside the sports complex.
Because of the avoidable circumstances, it’s a decision between choosing the lesser evil and we really have to give them the shelter and temporary refuge inside the stadium
Before the Hatid Tulong Program, Bong Go spearheaded the “Balik Probinsya Program” which brought new cases of COVID-19 to provinces with previously had none. But, Go said his program was suspended to make way for the “Hatid Tulong” initiative.
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