Some PNR passengers test positive in random antigen test

Several passengers of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) tested positive for COVID-19 in a random antigen test.

According to Mark Salazar’s “24 Oras” report on Friday, three out of nine passengers in Tutuban Station tested yielded positive results for the disease.

The passengers tested positive were taken to a holding area while coordinating with their respective local government units.

Some passengers agreed to undergo the random and free antigen test amid the rise of COVID-19 infections.

“Okay naman po makapagpaganyan para malaman kung may virus or wala,” a passenger said.

(It is okay to conduct random antigen tests to know if you have the virus or not.)

“Wala ka naman sintomas bakit ka naman magpapa-test 'di ba? Ang laking abala po,” another passenger said.

(You don't have any symptoms, why should you take the test? It was inconvenient.)

Those who tested positive were brought to a holding area as PNR officials got in touch with the passengers' respective local government unit.

It is impossible to have all PNR passengers to undergo the antigen test, Salazar reported. But the result of the random testing is an indication that commuters may be in contact with COVID-19 positive individuals who may not be exhibiting symptoms.

With this possibility, it is important to adhere to minimum health protocols while using public transportation.

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday logged 21,819 new COVID-19 cases increasing the nationwide COVID-19 tally to 2,910,664.

This is the highest since September 12, 2022 which reported 21,411 cases. On September 11, 2022 the Philippines logged a record-high 26,303 infections. -- Richa Noriega/BAP, GMA News