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COVID-19 CRISIS

Gov’t eyes 30,000 tests a day by end-May with 4 mega swabbing centers planned for Mega Manila

The Philippine government is set to put up four mega swabbing centers across Mega Manila to expand the country’s testing capacity amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to a 24 Oras report by Ian Cruz on Thursday, the swabbing centers will be located at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan (North sector), Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City (South sector), Enderun Tent McKinley Hill in Taguig City (East sector), and Palacio Tent in Roxas Boulevard (West sector).

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Mega Manila includes Metro Manila and the regions of Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa.

“Magkakaroon po tayo ng tinatawag na massive swabbing kasi ang gagawin po natin ‘yong ating mga laboratories ay minomodernize natin kasama po ang Philippine Red Cross para magkaroon po tayo ng testing capacity na 10,000 and later on by May 15, 15,000, then May 30, 30,000,” Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said.

“Through the help of the Department of Transportation, ‘yong mga kababayan natin ay dadalhin through buses dito sa mga mega swabbing center na ito para sila’y mai-swab at ipapadala ‘yong mga specimen nila sa ating mga testing labs," Bases Conversion and Development Authority president Vince Dizon added.

Aside from the national government’s 19 COVID-19 testing laboratories, eight private laboratories are expected to be used by the end of May. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/MDM, GMA News