DOH team assesses Marikina's COVID-19 testing lab

The Department of Health's (DOH) assessment of Marikina City's own testing facility for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is ongoing on Tuesday afternoon.

In a short statement, the DOH said it has a "team currently assessing the Marikina laboratory."

"This is to dispel claims that DOH is not coordinating," it added.

Dr. Mark Anthony Leviste from the DOH Health Facilities Standards & Regulation Bureau is leading the ongoing onsite inspection, it further said.

Earlier in the day, the Marikina City government said the scheduled opening of the city’s COVID-19 testing center would push through on Friday even without the approval from the DOH.

“Idemanda na nila ako para sa kababayan ko. Sa tingin ko mas malaking kasalanan sa batas at tao ang kawalan ng aksyon ng DOH ngayon,” Mayor Marcy Teodoro said.

More than two weeks ago, the DOH said that Marikina's initial proposed laboratory for COVID-19 tests fell short of standards on space and biosafety.

On Monday, it was reported that the DOH personnel who were supposed to inspect the new facility that was identified by the local government did not show up.

As of April 13, there are 59 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Marikina City, with 14 deaths and six recoveries. There are 23 other suspected cases and one probable. —KG/RSJ, GMA News