The city government here is eyeing to swab 2,000 residents or more, to represent at least one member per household, for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) testing during the implementation of the localized modified enhance community quarantine (MECQ).

Mayor Michael M. Keon said the expanded swab testing was first conducted in Laoag’s “critical” areas such as in Sitio Dungtal, Barangay 23 where an ambulant vendor first tested positive for Covid-19 last Nov. 5, that apparently triggered the Covid-19 contagion.

“We swab as many as possible. The quicker we can swab testing, the quicker we can lift the MECQ,” Mayor Keon said.

Three fish vendors were afterwards also confirmed positive of Covid-19 at the Laoag City Commercial Complex, resulting in its temporary closure for three days for disinfection.

A swabbing booth was then made available to all market vendors and their helpers, market employees and buyers.

The city mayor said there is some resistance from residents in other barangays to undergo swab testing, hence, he appealed to them to comply with the government’s health and safety protocol.