Roque: Philippines should’ve expanded its testing capacity at the start of COVID-19 outbreak

The Philippines should have immediately expanded its capacity to test people for COVID-19 after the country recorded its first case in January, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Thursday.

Roque conceded there were shortcomings in the government’s response to the virus, which has infected some 50,000 people and killed at least 1,300 in the country.

“Inaamin po natin na medyo naging mabagal ‘yung proseso na lumipas po ang dalawang buwan, iisa lang po ‘yung ating testing facility, ang RITM [Research Institute for Tropical Medicine]. Marso pa lang tayo nagsimula na magkaroon ng mas marami pang mga laboratories,” he said in a televised briefing when asked if there were lapses in the fight against COVID-19.

“If I were to look back and what we could have done better siguro po, noong nagkaroon tayo ng unang kaso na imported case ng COVID ay dapat pinalawak na natin ‘yung ating testing capacity kaagad,” Roque, who rejoined government only in April, added.

The Palace official, however, said the country’s testing capacity has since improved. He said there are now more than 70 laboratory testing centers nationwide.

Government data showed the country was capable of conducting only 2,000 tests a day in March. The testing capacity grew to 34,000 tests per day in May; 51,302 tests a day in June; and 74,304 tests a day as of July 3.

Roque insisted on Tuesday that the country is “winning” the fight against COVID-19 despite the continued spike in cases.

Having improved the health system capacity, Roque said the Philippines could reopen its economy albeit on a gradual basis. —AOL, GMA News