MASANTOL Mayor Danilo Guintu called on coronavirus disease (Covid-19) suspect patients to not be afraid of undergoing swab testing, as it indicates the treatment they need and also protects their family and community from being infected.

Guintu's call came after hearing reports that some individuals refuse to cooperate with health workers who are tasked to pick up and bring the patients to swabbing facilities.

"Our health workers are already tired but they continue to serve us amid this pandemic so let us not give them anymore hard time and just cooperate," the mayor said.

He also told suspect patients that Covid-19 is not a deadly disease as long as you will get the treatment as early as possible.

"But we can only give you the treatment you need if we know that you are positive so at least do it for yourself," Guintu said.

He, meanwhile, warned those who will continue to resist on his plea about the possible charges they may face for their defiance.

"Let us not give each other a hard time and instead be one in ensuring that every Masantoleño is protected from the virus in as much as we can," Guintu said.