Gov't clarifies expanded targeted testing, not mass testing

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that the government's policy is expanded targeted testing, not mass testing, with a goal to test 1.5 to 2 percent of the country's 110 million population.

The Philippines targets to test 30,000 individuals per day by May 31 and 50,000 by June, according to Vince Dizon, deputy chief implementer of the national policy against COVID-19.

This aims to increase the country's testing capacity to follow global best practices, similar to South Korea's testing rates.

The strategy involves isolating, locating, and curing those with COVID-19 before further reopening the economy.

Roque clarified that his previous statement about not having a mass testing policy was taken out of context, as the government is indeed aiming for a high testing capacity through a public-private partnership.

President Duterte affirmed the government's commitment to strengthening the health system through detection and isolation measures.