Manila vendors to undergo swab testing next week, says Isko Moreno

The vendors in Manila’s 17 public markets will be the first clients for swab testing of the second RT-PCR molecular laboratory in Sta. Ana Hospital when it opens next week, Mayor Isko Moreno said Monday.

“Ito ay para lalong matiyak na ligtas ang ating mga mamimili sa ating mga public market sa sakit na COVID-19,” Moreno said in a Facebook post.

He gave the directive to Manila Health Department director Dr. Arnold Pangan, Sta. Ana Hospital director Dr. Grace Padilla, and Market Administrator Zenaida Mapoy.

“We test them so we can guarantee the people that those selling inside our markets are safe individuals. Sila ang una nating kliyente. Unahin natin lahat sa palengke. Matutuwa pa ang vendor, hindi gagastos ng P4,000, makakatipid na sila, panatag na sila, ‘yung consumer natin panatag din,” he said in a meeting with city officials.

He said after the public market vendors, drivers of pedicab, tricycle, and jeepneys; and meat butchers will also be tested for COVID-19.

“Isusunod din natin agad sa mass testing gamit ang gold standard ng COVID-19 testing ang mga tsuper ng pedicab, tricycle, at pampasaherong jeep, pati na ang mga matansero,” he said.—AOL, GMA News