OVP explores incentives for COVID-19 testing in Malabon

Vice President Leni Robredo's office will explore incentives to encourage more people to undergo COVID-19 swab testing due to low turnout in Malabon.

During the launch of the OVP's Swab Cab project in Malabon, only 502 residents were tested against a target of 1,500.

Many individuals reportedly refused testing due to fears of mandatory isolation, which would prevent them from working and providing for their families.

Robredo highlighted that continued resistance to testing hinders efforts to control virus transmission, especially with many asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic cases circulating.

One proposed incentive is cash assistance equivalent to at least the minimum wage for each day a patient cannot work.

The OVP, however, lacks the resources for this incentive and needs to find ways to fund it.