IATF allows LGUs to purchase rapid test kits

Local government units can now purchase rapid test kits that will be used in screening people for possible infection with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases gave the approval on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised briefing on Thursday.

“Alinsunod po ito sa sinabi ng Presidente, siya po ang mananagot sa paggamit ng rapid test kits,” Roque said.

Rapid test kits can only detect the antibodies produced by the body to combat the virus unlike the RT-PCR testing which can detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Last month, the Department of Health said in a circular that public or private institutions were not prohibited from purchasing and using rapid test kits approved by the Food and Drug Administration as long as the FDA and DOH guidelines on the use of these kits are followed.

Coordination with the local health authorities must also be undertaken, the department said. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News