PNP eyes completion of 2nd virus test lab by August
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police is eyeing to complete the construction of its second COVID-19 testing center in Cebu City by next month as coronavirus disease cases in the nation’s police force continue to surge.
“Construction of laboratory is ongoing. We hope to finish it by August 15. Immediately thereafter, we will submit documentary requirements to DOH (Department of Health) for its accreditation and issuance of License to Operate,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement to reporters on Thursday when asked about updates on the second testing center exclusively for police personnel.
The testing facility will also start operating by September once the DOH accredits the laboratory in August, Banac added.
The second testing facility for detecting the coronavirus disease is currently being established at Camp Sotero Cabahug, the headquarters of Cebu City Police Office.
The first reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction testing facility for police officers is already operational. It is located at the PNP Crime Laboratory in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
To date, the police organization logged 1,643 COVID-19 cases with nine deaths and 612 recoveries.
