The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing centers of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) are now working at speed as more samples are being brought recently, said Senator Dick Gordon.
Gordon, PRC Chairman and CEO reported that the test centers have been working harder as more samples are being turned in.
“Our machines are still not maximized.”
“I am elated that our testing centers are picking up speed as more samples come in; though our machines are still not maximized,” the veteran legislator said.
“Testing is the key, that’s why I call on the LGUs to test more people.”
“The Philippine Coast Guard and some local government units in Metro Manila have started sending more samples and I commend them. Testing is the key, that’s why I call on the LGUs (local government units) to test more people, because the more people are tested, the faster the enemy will be unmasked,” the seasoned lawmaker added.
The PRC already opened two testing centers that are both equipped with polymerase chain reaction machines that can run up to a total of 8,000 tests for COVID-19 daily.
The PRC’s testing capacity will expand to 20,000, with the recent opening of another testing center in Manila’s Port Area, and four others in Subic, Clark, Batangas and Los Banos in the next few weeks.
Records show that a total of 12,622 persons were tested by the PRC from April 16 to May 4.
On May 4, a total of 990 tests were conducted; 1,980 on May 5; and 2,136 as of 7 P.M. of May 6.
“Kung maraming magpapa-test, mahihiwalay ‘yung mga positive at malalagay sila sa mga mga ospital o sa mga quarantine centers,” the senator stressed.
“Bibigyan ng pagkain ‘yung pamilya nila habang sila’y naka-quarantine at i-momonitor ang status ng kanilang kalusugan. Di na kakalat ‘yan masyado pag nagawa natin yan. Our aim is to ensure victory over the virus,” he concluded.