1,000 typhoon evacuees in Rizal to undergo COVID-19 swab testing

A thousand evacuees in Rodriguez, Rizal, one of the areas hardest hit by Typhoon Ulysses, will undergo swab testing this week to prevent possible widespread transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

According to Chino Gaston’s “24 Oras” report on Monday, up to eight families are crammed together in one classroom at the Kasiglahan Elementary School.

The overcrowding prevents families from practicing social distancing and even other minimum health standards against COVID-19.

Local authorities said evacuees will be swabbed on Wednesday to identify those who need to be isolated.

“Seniors saka ‘yung mga persons with disability din. And ‘yung talagang may signs and symptoms na kailangan talagang i-test natin,” municipal health officer Dr. Carmela Javier said.

Some 750 antigen test kits were also prepared in case swab test kits run out.

The local government of Rodriguez said around 7,000 residents are still in evacuation centers days after Ulysses ravaged the area.

The evacuees called for donations of hygiene kits, food, water, and beddings. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News