Dizon calls for saliva testing, breath testing to improve COVID-19 response

National Task Force Against COVID-19 deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon said the country needs to adapt to new technologies, particularly in testing methods, to improve its COVID-19 response.

In a press release on Sunday, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said officials crafted the National Action Plan Phase 3 in a meeting in Baguio City over the weekend.

“Ang kailangan natin talaga bilisan ay ‘yung pag-adapt ng new technologies in testing katulad ng antigen testing, saliva testing, and breath testing,” Dizon said.

“Kapag walang RT-PCR, gamitin natin ang antigen,” he added.

Citing the number of fatalities due to COVID-19, Dizon pointed out that the Philippines has the capability to respond and manage the epidemic.

However, he admitted that the country still needs to improve its COVID-19 prevention and mitigation measures as the government continues to open the economy.

“Kung di natin bubuksan ang ekonomiya, di tayo magnu-new normal, ‘yung mga naka blue na ‘yan na namamatay sa ibang bagay, mas lalo pang tataas,” he said.

“Mahaba pa ‘yung laban pero kayang-kaya po natin. ‘Yun lang medyo mag wrap up tayo at bilis-bilsan lang po natin ng konti,” he added.

There are  322,497 confirmed coronavirus cases in the Philippines as of Sunday afternoon. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA News