Testing backlog keeps OFWs in quarantine, shortening time with loved ones

Returning Filipinos from overseas are now spending additional days in quarantine facilities due to the late release of their RT-PCR test results, amid the large backlog as more tests are being conducted with the resurgence of COVID-19.

According to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), government testing facilities are now overwhelmed by the volume of specimens collected for testing, with the increase of individuals with COVID-19 symptoms or those that have had close contact with others who tested positive.

“So parang may domino effect itong ano eh, ‘yung dami ng mga nagpapatest ngayon. Hindi lamang sa mga umaalis kundi pati sa nanunumbalik,” OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac said in a report on GMA’s “24 Oras Weekend.”

[It has a domino effect with the volume of individuals being tested at the moment, not just those leaving the country but also with those entering.]

“Rest assured ‘yung specimen naman ay hindi damaged o nasira [the specimens were not damaged or destroyed]. It’s still there, it’s just being processed, so just to seek the patience of our dear OFWs,” he added.

Among the overseas Filipino workers who had to extent their stay in the quarantine facility is Analyn Monzon, who was earlier told that the results would be out in 12 to 24 hours. She has been in the facility for three days.

Cacdac over the weekend said the government is now looking to partner with the private sector to address the growing backlog, but even the private sector has recorded a surge in testing.

Some specimens are now being brought to other provinces to help the National Capital Region (NCR), where a significant population is being tested being the major international gateway.

“Sinasakay na natin sa ating sweeper flights ‘yung mga specimen. Ibabalik na lang ng Cebu via electronic system ‘yung mga resulta sa mga OFWs,” Cacdac said.

[We are already sending out the specimens to other provinces via the sweeper flights. Results will be sent to the OFWs via electronic systems.]

The Philippines on Sunday logged a record daily tally of 28,707 COVID-19 cases, bringing the country’s active cases to 128,114. The total caseload now stands at 2.965 million, including 2.785 million recoveries and 52,150 deaths. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News