When the question of mandatory quarantining was raised during a recent coronavirus press conference, health authorities said it was legally possible but complicated. One requirement would be a proper holding facility that is not readily available.
Some are now suggesting compulsory testing where enforcement even in people’s homes would be an obvious obstacle. Nevertheless, there is growing concern about underreporting of suspected COVID-19 symptoms in the districts, prompting the present neighbourhood outreach.
It appears the number of persons willing to take a free test has been low especially among immigrants probably out of fear over their legal status, despite repeated assurances this will not be an issue during the current crisis. Deploying community gleaders and people who speak various languages helps, but ultimately the extent of testing depends on cooperation of the population.
It is also a matter of national interest, because without a clear picture of the prevalence of this terrible disease on the island, getting back to normal will be even harder than it already is. By refusing to be tested, those responsible are to some degree doing society a disservice.
To once again overstate the obvious: There is zero risk of being contaminated while taking a test and Immigration is not involved. The whole point remains to catch it early so one does not end up in the hospital or worse.
It is almost always better to know.
