Quezon City , Muntinlupa begin community testing

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Quezon City government began its community-based testing on Monday as part of its efforts to respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Project manager Joseph Juico said 167 residents underwent testing during the pilot implementation of the program.

Sixty-five people were tested at the facility established at the Quezon Memorial Circle while 40 were tested in their homes through the house-to-house testing implemented by the city’s epidemiology and surveillance unit.

Six people were tested at the Novaliches District Hospital and 56 more at the Quezon City General Hospital.

“The pilot testing went well but could still be improved to provide better service to our people,” said Juico, noting that those tested have to be transported to the testing areas.

Another 150 individuals were expected to be tested at the Quezon Memorial Circle facility yesterday on top of those who would be tested at their homes and in hospitals.

Test results will be released in three to five days.

Priority is given to frontliners, senior citizens with comorbidities and those who had contact with COVID-positive patients.

Focus on PUIs

The city government of Muntinlupa started its localized and targeted testing on Monday, with around 180 persons under investigation (PUIs) scheduled to be tested this week.

City health chief Dr. Teresa Tuliao said five PUIs were transported to a field testing area for the collection of swab samples.

“Initially, we are testing city residents showing flu-like symptoms and those who are suspected cases of COVID-19,” she said.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi said yesterday he approved City Ordinance 2020-089, which penalizes spitting and the improper disposal of personal protective equipment in public places with imprisonment of up to six months and a P5,000 fine.

“Since COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through contact or respiratory droplets which can last for a few days on surfaces, we are passing an ordinance penalizing hazardous societal habits that are considered public nuisances and potentially expose other persons to COVID-19,” he said.