The targeted mass testing in Mega Manila for COVID-19 infection is now possible as local government units (LGUs) signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).
Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO Sen. Dick Gordon said PUIs and PUMs will be tested first. He added that the swabs will be taken and will be “delivered to the machines.”
Meanwhile, the second molecular laboratory testing center in Mandaluyong City has been made available today. Another is set to open soon in Port Area in Manila.
The country will be able to test 6,000 to 12, 000 samples per day within this week through the newly inaugurated facility. The said facilities are equipped with new medical machines from China used for COVID-19 testing such as RNA extraction machines and PCR machines. Gordon said in Twitter that more samples of the new medical equipment will be brought to the country through a chartered flight from China. IATF Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles earlier said the step of the PRC for the mass testing is a game-changer for the Philippines and may affect the IATF’s recommendation and President Duterte’s decision on the community quarantine. – Report from Louisa Erispe
