The local government of Olongapo City formally opened on Thursday, Sept. 16, its own molecular laboratory to expand its COVID-19 testing. (Photo courtesy of the Olongapo City Information Center)
OLONGAPO CITY—The local government on Thursday, Sept. 16, opened its own molecular laboratory that is expected to expand COVID-19 testing in the city and nearby areas, officials said.
Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. said the laboratory in Barangay Kalaklan will provide affordable COVID-19 testing, which will allow local health authorities to determine the extent of the virus surge in the city.
“People are hesitant to get tested for COVID-19 because they can’t afford it. This facility will address this problem and it will be a great help,” Paulino said during the formal launching of the laboratory.
According to Dr. Rodrick Bustamante, city health officer, building the facility was “painstaking,” and it took them a year to complete it after complying with several requirements.
Bustamante said the laboratory is an important part of the COVID-19 response since it would be the foundation of the tedious process of testing, tracing, isolating and treating patients.
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