QC receives 3,800 COVID-19 rapid test kits from private sector

The Quezon City government received 3,800 rapid antibody-based diagnostic test (RDTs) kits from the private sector to screen and identify residents from selected barangays who are coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients.

In a statement, the Quezon City LGU said it partnered with Project Ark, a private sector initiative, to increase its efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

"We appreciate the support of the private sector especially Project Ark in our battle against COVID-19. This initiative complements our efforts of intensive community testing to identify patients from our barangays," said Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.

Last Monday, May 18, 1,500 rapid tests were conducted in barangays Immaculate Concepcion, Kristong Hari, Kalugusan, and Dona Aurora.

They were identified to be the pilot areas based on their population, active cases, and attack rate of the virus in the area, and that they are also located along Quezon City’s hospital belt, an area with hospitals accommodating COVID-19 patients.

The Quezon City government also noted that many health workers also reside in the said barangays, making them more at risk of contracting COVID-19. It cited data from the city’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (ESU) that 25% of all positive patients in Quezon City are health workers.

Out of the 1,500 residents, only .33 percent tested positive for IgM, or those still responding to the infection. The residents were then swabbed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for confirmation then brought to HOPE facilities while waiting for their PCR results.

Additionally, .87% tested positive for IgG, or those who have developed antibodies after they have already fought off the virus.

Eleven areas under special concern lockdown in five barangays that were also being tested using 4,000 RDT kits since May 21 include Sitio Militar in Brgy. Bahay Toro; Vargas Compound-Adelfa Metro Heights-Abanay and Ancop Canada in Brgy. Culiat; Lower Gulod in Brgy. Sauyo; 318 Dakila St., 2nd Alley Kalayaan B and Masbate St. in Brgy. Batasan Hills; and Victory Avenue, ROTC Hunters, BMA Avenue, and Agno St. in Brgy. Tatalon.

The Quezon City LGU reported that as of May 22, 1,419 rapid tests have been conducted in these five barangays and only 5.99% tested positive for IgM. However, 11 who tested negative but are symptomatic were also subjected to swabbing, bringing the total number of residents endorsed for PCR testing to 96.

Joseph Juico, the project manager for community testing, explained that those who tested positive for IgM will automatically be subjected to PCR test. — DVM, GMA News