Philippine Red Cross launches COVID-19 testing center

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Wednesday launched its testing center for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was the 16th laboratory in the country to receive accreditation to conduct independent testing.

The PRC’s laboratory, located in its national headquarters along EDSA, can conduct up to 3,000 tests a day.

“At present, we have two testing machines, with each one capable of conducting up to 1,500 tests per day, at makakatulong ‘yan so we can test more people,” Senator Richard Gordon, PRC chairman and chief executive officer, said.

“‘Pag nakita na natin ‘yung kalaban, at least mahihiwalay na natin iyan do’n sa mga grupo ng mga taong wala at mapagamot na siya kaagad,” he added.

Gordon also said the PRC is formalizing agreements with the local governments of Quezon City, Caloocan, Makati, and Mandaluyong, who will shoulder the testing fees for their constituents.

The PRC chief added that the public may avail of testing by appointment through the hotline 1158.

The country’s COVID-19 testing centers have conducted 42,215 individual tests as of Wednesday night, 6,188 of which came out positive while 35,985 were negative, according to the Department of Health.

The Philippines has so far recorded 5,660 COVID-19 infections with 435 recoveries and 362 deaths. —Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News