PSA: Anyone can drive-thru this Manila City, COVID-19 testing site, even nonresidents

It looks like Metro Manila citizens can take COVID-19 tests in a more convenient and safe manner. The local government of Manila City launched a drive-thru COVID-19 testing center in front of the Andres Bonifacio Monument. The Manila Health Department (MHD) will be conducting the tests every Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno announced through the Manila Public Information Office (PIO) that the MHD will take blood samples of those who will pass through the drive-thru COVID-19 testing site. The samples will then be processed with the newly availed COVID-19 testing machines. The Facebook post says these machines are from Abbott Laboratories, an American multinational medical devices and health care company.

Manila PIO announced last Monday, July 13, that they have availed their fourth testing machine from Abbott, which can process 5,600 tests a week. With the four machines, Moreno claims that Manila will be capable of processing 89,600 tests a month.

Both Manila City residents and non-residents can avail of the drive-thru testing center. Those who do not have a car will be referred to the Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center, Ospital ng Sampaloc, Ospital ng Maynila or any health center near their residence.

Moreno clarified during the event launch that both motorized and non-motorized vehicles with at least two wheels can pass by the testing site.

“We will utilize the recently-purchased machines. These have an accuracy of 99.6 percent for specificity and 100 percent for sensitivity,” said Moreno. “This is part of our continuing massive testing, including every driving Manileño who will pass by Lawton.”

St. Luke’s Medical Center now also offers COVID-19 testing via drive-thru, which started last July 13. The drive-thru service will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Quezon City branch and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Luke’s Global City branch. 

Header photo courtesy of Manila Public Information Office

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Writer: THEA TORRES