The Department of Health (DOH) is determined to reach the 8,000 daily COVID-19 tests target.
DOH USec, Maria Rosario Vergeire said the testing capacity of the country continues to be strengthened through additional test kits. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved rapid antibody test kits. The need to confirm results of rapid test kits through RT-PCR was also emphasized as the said kits may give false negative results.
As of April 29, 92,822 tests have been conducted where 10, 245 tested positive and 82, 438 turned out negative.
The total number of cases in the Philippines reached 8,488 after the DOH reported 276 new cases on Thursday. Total deaths rose to 568 as 10 more fatalities were recorded, while 1,043 patients have already recovered from the disease.
The latest data of the DOH show 1,619 health workers tested positive for COVID-19 where 33 died and 250 recovered.
The DOH also recognized the health workers who took care of the youngest COVID-19 patient who is 19 days-old and the oldest case at 95 years-old.
Meanwhile, the health department said they are currently waiting if the Philippines will be included in the clinical trial for Avigan. The clinical trial of the said drug was first launched in Japan to study its efficacy in treating COVID-19. – Report from Mark Fetalco
