Gov’t to start massive testing for COVID-19 by mid-April

April 3 ------ The government is planning to start 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, also 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 was previously the only government facility conducting laboratory tests for the coronavirus.

“We are asking the DOH to expedite other hospitals’ requests for accreditation for testing so we will have other capabilities for testing,” the former military chief said in a virtual press conference Thursday night. “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 able to start massive testing,” he added.

Luzon is currently on enhanced community quarantine that keeps millions of residents at home to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The quarantine period is expected to last until April 12 unless lifted, extended, or expanded by the government depending on prevailing circumstances. Galvez earlier recognized the importance of massive testing of patients suspected to have coronavirus to detect potential virus carriers. He added there must be effective contract tracing, strict home quarantine, and isolation of PUIs and patients who tested positive.

Recovery of patients

Galvez also expressed confidence that more patients will recover from the coronavirus infection. He showed a map of the coronavirus cases, citing that patients are confined in the country’s “best hospitals.” 

Among the hospitals that accepted coronavirus patients are St. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City, St. Luke’s Medical Center-Quezon City, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, Lung Center of the Philippines, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Manila Doctors Hospital, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, San Lazaro Hospital, University of the East-Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical, Santa Ana Hospital, University of Sto. Tomas Hospital, Philippine Heart Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, New Era General Hospital, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, and Rizal Medical Center.

“I am very confident that we will increase our recovery because we have the best hospitals in these areas. Meaning, the top 10 hospitals where we have more than 500 COVID patients are located in our best hospitals,” he said. As of April 2, the country has 2,633 cases of coronavirus disease, including 107 fatalities. At least 51 people have recovered. Galvez also presented a national surveillance of the COVID-19 cases in the press conference. The bulk of the coronavirus cases is located in National Capital Region at 1,511. He said Quezon City has the highest number of coronavirus cases, followed by the cities of Manila, Makati, and San Juan. The less affected areas, on the other hand, are Navotas, Pateros, and Malabon.

Source: mb.com.ph