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Solon bats for free COVID-19 mass testing for frontline workers

Philippines | National

Solon bats for free COVID-19 mass testing for frontline workers

By Ben R. Rosario

Rizal 2nd District Rep. Fidel Nograles on Tuesday, Jan. 14 urged government to provide free COVID-19 test to frontline workers helping the country respond to the pandemic.

Healthcare workers

Nograles aired the appeal as the Omicron variant appeared to have unleashed its damage to public health with COVID-19 cases continuing a rapid rise in the country, especially the national capital region.

“We are again bracing for a surge that according to experts will peak in February. It is just right for us to ensure that our modern-day heroes, our frontliners, do not have to worry about the expenses of being tested and even managing the disease in case they are infected,” said Nograles in a statement,.

The neophyte solon also said that aside from healthcare workers, frontliners must also include pharmacy attendants, quarantine hotel employees, among other workers that are heavily exposed to those who are already infected.

“Giving free testing to our frontliners greatly helps our country’s response to COVID-19 as they will be tested regularly and will not have to dismiss symptoms just to avoid expenses,” Nograles stated.

The Rizal solon said he also supports the call for free mass testing but he considers prioritizing frontliners as a good first step towards this goal.

Earlier, Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas and former Bayan Muna Rep. Nery Colmenares demanded the conduct of COVID 19 mass testing as part of the strategy to arrest the spread of the highly-transmissible Omicron variant.

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