(PNA file photo)
MANILA – At least 66,080 individuals have undergone serology antibody laboratory testing while 26,543 others for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or swab test in the city of Manila, as part of response efforts amid the prevailing health crisis.
During the launching of the fifth walk-in Covid-19 serology testing center at the Ospital ng Tondo (OsTon) on Thursday, Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso said the city now has five walk-in serology testing centers, two drive-thru testing sites, one swab testing laboratory, and conduct regular mobile serology testing activities.
“We have about 66,000 people already tested and served by this program for free. This is our final area. As you all know our walk-in testing centers are strategically positioned to serve the entire city,” Domagoso said in a mix of English and Filipino.
He said the new facility can test about 100 individuals per day, from Monday to Friday, starting at 6 a.m.
In addition, Domagoso said another swab testing laboratory is set to open in the city to further boost its capability.
“We will continue to further strengthen our capability through the ‘gold standard’ way of testing. We are about to finish an additional swab laboratory testing area with two machines given to us by DOH (Department of Health) and DBM (Department of Budget and Management)," he said.
Once the second swab testing laboratory is launched, the city government will be able to accommodate about 1,000 individuals for swab testing per day.
Domagoso said the testing will still be done for free and is available for Manila and non-Manila residents.
“It’s going to be given for free by our Manila City government. I pity those who already want to work but need to spend for the tests and for business owners who were not able to open their businesses for several months, that is why we’ve always wanted to offer this service,” Domagoso said.
As of September 23, the city of Manila has 798 active Covid-19 cases, 459 deaths, and 12,093 recoveries. (PNA)
