Quezon City gov't expands free COVID-19 testing program

The Quezon City government on Friday said it acquired 100,000 rapid antigen test kits as part of its expanded COVID-19 testing program.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said the expansion of the testing program under the City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit (CESU) will allow the city government to detect and prevent the spread of COVID-19 among residents.

“Timely confirmation of the virus’ presence is essential, especially given the upsurge in cases. More than ever we must think of our priority sectors such as senior citizens and those with comorbidities, who rely on speedy test results in order to receive immediate and appropriate medical care,” Belmonte said.

The 17 community-based testing centers are located in the following districts:

• District 1: Toro Hills Basketball Court in Barangay Bahay Toro; and Barangay Sta. Teresita Health Facility in Barangay Sta. Teresita.
• District 2: Melencio Castelo Training Center in Barangay Commonwealth; Talanay A3 Covered Court in Barangay Batasan Hills; and 5 Faustino St., in Barangay Holy Spirit.
• District 3: Old Balara Annex Court in Barangay Old Balara; 157 Barangay Quirino 2B; and Kalantiaw Elementary School in Barangay Bagumbuhay.
• District 4: Amoranto Sports Complex in Barangay Paligsahan; 10 Granada St., in Barangay Valencia; and Baluyot Court in Barangay Krus na Ligas.
• District 5: SB Plaza in Barangay Novaliches Proper; HB Bistekville Park 6 in Barangay Fairview; and San Bartolome Elementary School in Barangay San Bartolome.
• District 6: Talipapa Senior High School in Barangay Talipapa; and HB Park Emerald St., in Barangay Pasong Tamo.
• QC Xperience (QCX) Museum located at the Quezon Memorial Circle

QCESU chief Dr. Rolando Cruz said the testing centers have been offering free testing to mostly symptomatic, close contacts, and persons needing hospitalization.

Cruz said each testing center is equipped with swab booths and can accommodate at least 100 to 200 individuals per day.

He added that residents must request their appointments through an online reservation form via http://bit.ly/QCfreetest as walk-ins will not be accommodated.

The local government said 2,107,153 residents were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of January 17. — Richa Noriega/VBL, GMA News