Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24) — The Department of Health warned that persons who were identified as close contacts of a COVID-19 patient may face sanctions if they refuse to be tested or isolated.
Health spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire on Monday reiterated that the those who will refuse to cooperate with local health officers or contact tracers may face penalties or even jail time under the RA 11332 or the “Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act”.
“Kung ikaw ay tatangging mag-swab o hindi makipag-cooperate sa local health official, hindi lang ikaw ang maapektuhan because this is an infectious disease… Kailangan sumunod at ating alalahanin na mayroon tayong batas para dito. May sanctions tayo dito, may penalties ito na pwedeng magkaroon ng fine na pera at mayroong imprisonment,” she said in a media forum.
[Translation: If you will refuse to undergo a swab test or if you are uncooperative with a local health official, you will not be the only one be affected because this is an infectious disease. You should follow because this is a law. There are sanctions, penalties, fines, and imprisonment.]
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier said people exposed to COVID-19 and showing signs of infection can be compelled to take a swab test and forced to undergo quarantine.
