The Philippines has now the capacity to conduct 12,000 COVID-19 tests per day.
National Action Plan for COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Secretary Vince Dizon said the capacity is a result of the establishment of mega swabbing centers in the country. There are currently four mega swabbing centers in Luzon and 20 accredited testing laboratories nationwide.
“Kampante tayo sa tulong ng ating Department of Health na magtulung-tulong tayo, magsama-sama tayo para maabot natin itong 30,000 capacity test per day sa May 30.
(We are confident that with the help of the Department of Health, together we can reach the 30,000-capacity test per day on May 30),” Dizon said.
DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III, Dizon, and Senator Richard Gordon earlier led the inspection of one mega swab center.
Dizon explained that 300 personnel assigned to the facility will undergo quarantine after a two-week duty, resulting to the need for a separate 300 personnel.
The DOH has allotted 400 swabbers to all mega swabbing centers while the needed personnel who will serve as bar coders and encoders will be filled by 800 personnel from various government agencies.
Around 250 OFWs have undergone testing at Palacio de Maynila on Thursday, while the Enderun Tent in Taguig is expected to be used on Saturday. – Report from Rocky Lesigues
