BY MINKA KLAUDIA S. TIANGCO
The Manila city government began Tuesday its free mass swab testing for the capital city’s working class.
Workers can get free swab tests at Pritil Market in Tondo, Baseco Covered Court in Port Area, Robinsons Place Manila in Ermita, Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo, SM City Manila in Ermita, and SM City San Lazaro in Sta. Cruz.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso told reporters that they are aiming to test up to 900 workers on Tuesday.
The specimens collected will be sent to the city’s second molecular laboratory at Sta. Ana Hospital, which can process up to 1,000 swab tests per day.
The results of the swab tests will be released after 24 to 48 hours. Symptomatic patients are required to undergo quarantine until the release of the results.
Earlier, Domagoso ordered the city government to provide free swab tests to public market vendors, public transportation drivers, employees of malls, hotels, and restaurants, and other workers of establishments frequently visited by the public.
He said this is aligned with their belief that the people’s lives and livelihoods must both be protected amid the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) crisis. It also ensures the safety of both the workers and the consumers. (Minka Tiangco)
