Swab samples of southern Negros Occidental residents will now undergo COVID-19 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests at the Safeguard DNA Diagnostics Inc. Laboratory in Valladolid town, Provincial Administrator Rayfrado Diaz said Tuesday, July 27.
Starting Tuesday, swab samples from Bago City to Hinoba-an will be brought to the laboratory in Valladolid town that can conduct 2,000 tests a day, he said.
This will ease the load of the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital laboratory in Silay City that will be able to concentrate on testing swab samples of travelers arriving at the Bacolod Silay Airport and residents of northern Negros Occidental, he said.
This will ensure a faster turnaround time for the release of the test results, he said.
The target is within 24 hours, he said.
Diaz said Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson held an online meeting with the mayors of Negros Occidental to inform them of this new procedure.
He said for every COVID-19 positive resident, the provincial government will shoulder the cost of RT-PCR tests of 10 close contacts. The tests of those above 10 will be shouldered by the local governments, he added.
Meanwhile, the Integrated Veterinary Clinic is being transferred to the Panaad Park in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City, Diaz said.*