THE Province of Guimaras has begun its expanded targeted testing amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

The frontliners, dialysis and chemotherapy patients and close contacts of Covid-19 patients were tested first.

The expanded testing is a combination of the Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid diagnostic tests.

A total of 314 frontline workers from the Provincial Government of Guimaras, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard and Department of Health have been tested. The tests yielded negative results.

Meanwhile, 81 Guimarasnons undergoing dialysis and chemotherapy treatment in the City of Iloilo have undergone RT-PCR test and are now awaiting the results.

Governor Samuel Gumarin said the expanded testing is one of the endeavors of the Provincial Government of Guimaras to ensure the safety of the Guimarasnons as the island continues to battle the pandemic.

"Kinahanglan naton makasigurado nga hilway ang probinsiya sang Guimaras sa Covid-19. One way of doing this is ipa-test naton ang aton mga frontliners. Sila ni ang mga vulnerable, nagataya sang ila kabuhi para masiguro nga hilway sa virus ang aton probinsiya paagi sa pagbantay sa aton mga ports of entry," Gumarin said.

Medical technologists from Dr. Catalino Gallego Nava Provincial Hospital, Buenavista Emergency Hospital and Nueva Valencia District Hospital underwent training on the proper collection and transport of specimen before they were deployed.

An orientation on the use of the rapid diagnostic kits was also conducted.

The Province of Guimaras has purchased RT-PCR and rapid diagnostics tests worth P8.8 million. (PR)