Dep Chief wants mass testing for frontliners

Vince Dizon, Deputy Chief Implementer of the National Action Plan on COVID-19, is advocating for the mass testing of all frontliners, including non-medical personnel, as they are considered the 'biggest potential spreaders' of the virus.

Dizon emphasized that frontliners, such as police, soldiers, cashiers, and even sari-sari store owners and street vendors, have the most contact with people and are therefore most susceptible to infection and potential spreaders to the general population.

The recommendation to test all frontliners will be presented for government consideration.

Beyond frontliners, Dizon also proposed prioritizing testing for individuals in critical economic areas, including those working in manufacturing, factories, economic zones, and the BPO sector.

This strategic shift towards expanded testing aims to manage COVID-19 effectively while keeping the economy operational to facilitate recovery.

Dizon noted that the government's previous limited testing was due to a scarcity of laboratories and testing supplies, but the situation has improved with 68 operational labs and sufficient capacity and supplies.

He asserted that the country now has the capability to expand testing to other segments of the population who require it.