THE Iloilo City Molecular Laboratory is taking an average of 500 swab samples from Monday to Saturday this September in an effort to effectively and efficiently manage swelling confirmed Covid-19 cases.
Swab tests are free for persons with influenza-like symptoms, close contacts, positive patients, pregnant women, arriving returning residents, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs).
The RT-PCR nasal and throat swab tests for the past two weeks have reached up to 800 on Mondays, and 450 on other days.
The less than 500 swab samples collected in a day have 24 hours processing period prior to releasing of results.
The 600-800 swab samples in a day have 36 hours turnaround time.
La Paz Gym serves as new venue for swabbing of close contacts and all symptomatic individuals or walk-in with doctor's written request from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Swabbing of OFWs, ROFs, returning residents and walk-ins for travel or employment purposes is still at Jubilee Hall.
The City Government also reduced RT-PCR cost to P1,800 from P2,500 upon request of businesses that require regular testing of employees, as well as for outbound travelers. (PR)