BACOLOD CITY—The Negros Occidental provincial government will conduct rapid antigen tests for close contacts of COVID-19 positive Negrenses in the top 10 local governments hit by the virus.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said Tuesday, Oct. 5, that the antigen tests would augment the swab tests that are also being conducted.
He said the antigen tests had a 94-percent accuracy rate, and results are released within 15 minutes or less.
Negros Occidental had 4,019 active COVID-19 cases and 11 new deaths Tuesday, the Provincial Incident Management Team reported.
The province is initially preparing for 7,500 rapid antigen tests approved by the Department of Health.
Provincial government hospitals will also be provided with antigen kits for emergency patients who need immediate medical attention.