MPD chief says hard lockdown in Tondo 1 for conduct of mass testing

Tondo District 1 will be placed under hard lockdown for the conduct of mass testing for suspected cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the director of the Manila Police District said Thursday.

The hard lockdown in the area will begin on May 3 until May 5.

Police Brigadier General Rolando Miranda told Dobol B sa News TV that the hard lockdown was not merely because of a huge number of violators of the enhanced community quarantine in the area.

"Hindi naman sa matigas ang ulo, the prime consideration eh 'yung matapos na talaga 'yung mass testing sa Maynila," Miranda said.

"'Yung mga PUIs natin dito kailangan talaga mag-undergo ng tinatawag na mass testing para ma-separate 'yung pagtutuunan natin ng pansin na COVID positive na ilalagay natin sa Sta. Ana Epidemiology Center at 'yung ilalagay natin sa Delpan facility natin," he added.

According to Miranda, there were nearly a hundred suspected cases of COVID-19 in Tondo District 1 who need to be tested.

Miranda assured the public that Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno ensured that assistance will be given to Tondo District 1 residents before deciding to place it under hard lockdown.

Earlier reports said the city government was also eyeing to place Tondo District 2, Sta. Cruz, and San Andres under hard lockdown.—AOL, GMA News