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'Huge lab' to be set up in Region 3 expected to run 3k to 5k COVID-19 tests daily in May

By DONA MAGSINO, GMA News

A laboratory capable of running 3,000 to 5,000 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tests daily that will be set up in Central Luzon is expected to be operational in May, the Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday.

"Itong huge lab na ito na proyekto ng ADB (Asian Development Bank) kasama pa rin ng ibang partners sa Pilipinas, ilalagay natin sa Jose B. Lingad Hospital," Vergeire told reporters in a virtual conference.

"In 10-14 days, tapos ang pagseset-up nitong mga makina na ito pati proseso ia-ayos na. Hopefully, pagdating ng first week of May, maaari na natin itong gamitin," she added.

The said facility is seen to have a positive effect on the testing capacity of other laboratories in Metro Manila.

"Maaaring ang Region III ay masasagot na at saka ang mga kalapit-pook ng laboratoryo na ito para naman ma-unload naman tayo dito sa Metro Manila. Mas bibilis ang turnaround time at mas makakatanggap tayo ng mas maraming tests," Vergeire said.

She added the DOH is collaborating with the private sector and other development partners to establish more "huge labs" nationwide.

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There are currently 17 COVID-19 testing laboratories nationwide that are accredited by the DOH.

The Philippine Red Cross also aims to set up around 20 more laboratories across the country.

According to DOH's online tracker, there were 61,049 individuals who have undergone COVID-19 tests in the Philippines, as of April 21.

The DOH targets to reach the testing capacity of at least 8,000 per day by the end of the month.—AOL, GMA News