The Department of Health (DOH) is determined to reach the target of 8,000 daily COVID-19 tests before the month ends.
Adding together the number of tests conducted by 19 COVID-19 laboratories, the daily testing capacity of the country has already reached 6,320.
DOH USec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said the department has been addressing the matter through the procurement of equipment and supplies for subnational laboratories, hiring of human health resources such as lab technicians, faster certification of laboratories, and the activation of GeneXpert laboratories that will serve as testing centers for COVID-19.
Based on the latest data, 84, 738 individuals have been tested for COVID-19 where 74, 743 tested negative and 9, 858 tested positive.
Meanwhile, 38 workers of the RITM have recovered from COVID-19 while seven of its staff are currently in quarantine. The RITM said it “has tested 1,280 of its personnel from April 18 to 24 where 1,000 have already received their results.”
Around 200 RITM workers awaiting results are currently under strict monitoring. RITM said its staff who recovered and tested negative have reported back to work.
Vergeire imparted that the health department continues to gather information on COVID-19 and that experts are studying the symptoms of the disease, following reported new symptoms of patients in other countries. She added there is insufficient evidence to conclude that symptoms such as darkening of the feet is an indication of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 recoveries in the country continue to increase at 975 as 43 more patients recovered. The death toll also reached 530. The total number of confirmed cases rose to 7, 958 after the DOH reported 181 new cases on Tuesday. There are currently 6,453 active cases. – Report from Mark Fetalco
