Marikina COVID-19 lab results released in 24 hours

The testing laboratory of Marikina City can release COVID-19 test results within 24 hours.

According to Maki Pulido's report on 24 Oras, the COVID-19 lab immediately conducted mass testing in the city on Friday after three weeks of waiting for accreditation.

"If we could have received the accreditation three weeks ago, marami na tayong nagawa. Marami na siguro tayong buhay na nasagip, at maraming tao naiiwas na hindi nagkasakit," Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said.

Authorities will prioritize taking the samples of around 800 individuals. This is based on the local government's "link map" or the list of individuals who came in contact with the city's COVID-19 cases.

They will then conduct a random sampling in communities, testing even in offices or factories.

"Hindi ako pabor at hindi ako sang-ayon sa DOH na hindi nai-test 'yung mga walang sintomas. Kailangan pa rin natin sila i-test dahil maari silang asymptomatic pero infected sila. Kung infected sila makakahawa sila," Teodoro said.

Aside from these, residents may swab for free at the Amang Rodriguez Hospital and Marikina Valley Hospital.

Meanwhile, the city will temporarily process for free COVID-19 samples from Antipolo, San Mateo, and Taytay. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News