Sotto: 18 positives out of 500 who took rapid test in Senate for COVID-19 screening ‘not too alarming’

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Tuesday said the positive results of 18 out the 500 Senate employees who took the antibody rapid tests for COVID-19 screening would not stop him from being physically present at the Senate premises.

"As of last night, the count was 18 but then we [made] sure that all of them would take the swab test... Among the 18, one in the swab test turned out negative, that's the one sa Red Cross. The staff of Senator [Richard] Gordon," Sotto said in a virtual conference.

He explained that those who tested positive to the rapid test were brought to different available facilities for the confirmatory procedures.

The rapid test detects only IgM and IgG antibodies in specimens. The PCR-based test, on the other hand, detects SARS-CoV-2—the actual virus that causes COVIS-19.

"Eighteen out of 500 is not too alarming. In my case as Senate President, it's part of my job to continue the sessions," Sotto, 71, said.

"Siyempre andoon ang pangamba mo na dapat mag-iingat ka. Basta ang importante, nag-iingat lang at saka dinadagdagan ko 'yung dasal," he added.

The Senate amended its rules amid the COVID-19 pandemic to allow the conduct of "hybrid" sessions and hearings where physical and online attendance will both be honored.

Sotto, however, expressed that he would still be physically present at the session hall from Mondays to Wednesdays to preside.

He also assured that the Senate will shoulder the cost of confirmatory tests for its employees who tested positive in the rapid testing.

He said this rapid testing protocol will not be done on a daily basis but only "if the need arises."

"Hindi naman every time na may session magra-rapid test. Kaya lang today, may mga employees na wala kahapon. Hindi naman namin pinapasok lahat eh. By waves lang muna. By today mayroon pa ulit," Sotto said. — RSJ, GMA News