Bacolod offers free swab tests

BACOLOD residents who have respiratory symptoms or coronavirus disease (Covid-19) symptoms can now avail themselves of a free swab test at the Bacolod Respiratory Outpatient (BRO) Center.

The BRO Center is located at the Bacolod Arts, Youth and Sports (Bays) Center in Bacolod City.

Councilor Renecito Novero said Thursday, October 8, that those who have Covid-19 symptoms can go to the BRO Center for a checkup.

"We have doctors there, and only the doctor will determine if you need to undergo a swab test or not and it's for free," he said.

The consultation is open from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

"We wish we could provide for all, but because of our limited resources, we will prioritize first the Bacolod residents for the meantime," Novero said.

He said those who have Covid-19 symptoms such as fever and headache, among others, can visit the BRO Center for a consultation or call the Emergency Operations Center hotline 432-2749.

The BRO Center will serve patients with respiratory conditions such as cough, nasal congestion, asthma or flu.

The respiratory center has a triage area, 10 separate consultation rooms, a laboratory collection room, and a mobile X-ray machine.

As of October 7, Bacolod City has a total of 4,266 Covid-19 cases. Of the number, 3,164 patients have recovered, 94 have died, and 1,008 are active cases.