The government is planning to start the massive testing of persons with suspected coronavirus by April 14 amid efforts to build up the capacity to conduct such tests.
As the number of the country's COVID-19 cases continues to increase, presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said the government intends to hasten the accreditation of more coronavirus testing facilities.
At present, Galvez, who is also the chief implementer of the government's action plan against the coronavirus pandemic, said the country now has nine accredited hospitals with the capability to conduct tests. The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) was previously the only government facility conducting laboratory tests for the coronavirus.
On massive testing for PUIs (patients under investigation) and PUMs (patients under monitoring), we are also determined to fast-track the accreditation of substantial laboratories so we can start the massive testing of PUIs and PUMs. We expect by April 14 we shall be able to start the massive testing, he added.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the government will prioritize the testing of patients with suspected coronavirus before conducting tests on the larger population.
Nograles said the eight facilities that can now process the tests for the new coronavirus disease are the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, San Lazaro Hospital, UP National Institutes of Health, Lung Center of the Philippines in NCR, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center in Benguet, Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City, and Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City.
Support for mass testing
I will support anything that will help contain the virus and keep our countrymen safe, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said.
This story is from the April 4, 2020 edition of Manila Bulletin.
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This story is from the April 4, 2020 edition of Manila Bulletin.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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