MANILA – The Philippines is now ramping up its testing capacity for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with health authorities now capable of conducting 12,000 tests for a day.
National Task Force Against COVID-19 deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon said Friday there are now four mega swabbing centers in the country.
The four mega swabbing centers are located at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Palacio de Maynila in Pasay City, the Enderun Tent in Taguig City, and the Philippine Sports Stadium in Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
“Sa susunod na linggo, makukuha na natin ang target natin na 5,000 tests a day kapag fully operational na lahat ang ating mga swabbing center,” Dizon said. “Bini-build up [din] natin ang ating laboratory capacity.”
ccording to the Department of Health, there were over 131,000 individuals that have undergone the COVID-19 test nationwide, while there are 23 accredited laboratories in the country which conduct PCR-based tests.
Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea has previously directed Cabinet members to each submit to the Office of the President a list of at least 100 personnel who will be assigned at the swabbing centers.
“The government workers will receive necessary training, protective medical equipment, accommodation, food, and transportation to and from the mega swabbing centers,” Medialdea said.
Medialdea added that the government employees will also receive COVID-19 hazard pay and/or special risk allowance. At least 1,500 people are needed to operate the mega swabbing centers./PN