THE Mandaue City government released its strategic mass testing schedule for all its 27 barangays to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Only 10 percent of the population who were randomly picked will undergo testing, according to Dr. Debra Maria Catulong of the City Health Office.
The results of the test will be the basis for the City Government’s decision on whether to downgrade the enhanced community quarantine and modify it to general community quarantine, she said.
Catulong said blood samples will be taken during the rapid testing. Results will be out in two to three days.
If the results are positive, the resident will be subjected to swab testing for confirmation.
If the repeat test is still positive, the resident will be taken to the barangay isolation unit or the city’s quarantine facility at the Mandaue City Central School.
Due to the rapid testing, Catulong said they expect the number of Covid-19 cases to go up.
The mass testing may take place at the barangay gym, school, or any open spaces depending on the barangay officials so social distancing can be observed.
The following is the schedule of rapid testing in the barangays:
May 4, Canduman and Umapad;
May 5, Bakilid, Banilad and Tipolo;
May 6, Tawason, Casili, Cubacub, Basak and Tingub;
May 7, Cabancalan, Casuntingan, Maguikay and Ibabao-Estancia;
May 8, Alang-alang, Guizo, Looc and Magic;
May 9, Tabok and Pagsabungan;
May 10, Subangdaku, Cambaro and Opao;
May 11, Centro, Labogon and Jagobiao; and
May 12- 13, Paknaan.
Lapu-Lapu City also disclosed its schedule for rapid mass testing in barangays considered as “red and orange zones,” or areas with residents exhibiting influenza-like illnesses:
May 4, Marigondon, Agus and Suba-Basbas;
May 5, Gun-ob and Kalawisan;
May 6, Babag and Looc;
May 7, Basak;
May 8, Pusok and Canjulao;
May 9, Mactan and Punta Engaño;
May 10, Maribago and Pajac;
May 11, Pajo, Poblacion and Ibo; and
May 12, Bankal and Buaya.
Residents of island barangays will undergo rapid mass testing on May 13.
Meanwhile, the Cebu City Health Department (CHD) said the rapid antibody-based test cannot confirm if an individual is infected with Covid-19. The test can only detect the presence of antibodies which can respond to the virus. However, the real time-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test can detect the virus, the CHD posted on its Facebook page.
During the launching of Project Balik Buhay (PBB) on Wednesday, April 29, Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH 7) Director Jaime Bernadas said those who will test positive in the rapid test will undergo an confirmatory test using the PCR test.
Like the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City will also start rapid testing on May 4 at the first batch of barangays that include Inayawan, Cogon Pardo, Basak San Nicolas, Basak Pardo, Suba, Bulacao, Mambaling, Duljo-Fatima, Punta Princesa, Kinasang-an, and Tisa. (KFD, GCM, JJL / JKV)