Last July 15, Manila City launched a drive-thru COVID-19 testing center in front of the Andres Bonifacio Monument and a second one at Quirino Grandstand which opened three days later. Since then, Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso announced that around 4,000 individuals have availed of the free testing. From these, 667 individuals tested positive for SARS-CoV, the virus that causes COVID-19.
[READ: PSA: Anyone can drive-thru this Manila City, COVID-19 testing site, even nonresidents]
“We have about 4,000 people, more or less. Iba pa yung walk-in. ’Yung drive-thru, 4,000 people. Sad to say, out of 4,000, we have 667 positive results as of yesterday,” Domagoso said in an interview on ANC.
https://www.facebook.com/iskomorenodomagoso/videos/279410680063648/?t=0
During the drive-thru launch, Domagoso claimed that the COVID-19 tests processed by their machines provide guaranteed results. “We will utilize the recently-purchased machines. These have an accuracy of 99.6 percent for specificity and 100 percent for sensitivity,” said Domagoso.
According to Domagoso, those who get tested can get their results as soon as possible. “Immediately you will be informed. If you turn negative or positive, you will be informed by the city,” he added. Domagoso also mentioned that the city needs at least P2 million per day to keep the free drive-thru testing operational.
https://www.facebook.com/ManilaPIO/photos/a.610327329451960/904390593378964/?type=3
Domagoso, who previously said that those who do not have vehicles can go to walk-in testing centers instead, did not disclose how many walk-ins have availed of the free testing. Walk-ins will be referred to the Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center, Ospital ng Sampaloc, Ospital ng Maynila or any health center near their residence.
The Manila Public Information Office announced last Monday, July 13, that with four COVID-19 testing machines, they aim to process 5,600 tests a week and 89,600 tests a month.
The drive-thru centers are free and open to Manila residents and nonresidents alike and operate from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Header photo courtesy of Manila Public Information Office
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Writer: THEA TORRES
