Free antigen testing is available anew during weekdays at select MRT-3 stations. INQUIRER file photo / Niño Jesus Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) launched its second round of free antigen testing through Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) at no cost to commuters willing to test for COVID-19.
According to an MRT statement, the measure is part of the organization’s efforts to protect commuters from the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Free antigen testing is available during weekdays in two separate time frames—8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m—in the following MRT stations:
• North Avenue
• Cubao
• Shaw Boulevard
• Taft Avenue
DOTr MRT-3 posted guidelines that require passengers who wish to avail themselves of free antigen testing to complete one consent form and receive a free ride once they test negative.
READ: DOTr to do random COVID testing on LRT, MRT passengers; trains still at 70% capacity
“Kinakailangan lamang lumapit ng mga boluntaryong pasahero sa testing areas sa mga istasyon at sabihing nais magpa-antigen test. Isang consent form ang ibibigay sa pasahero upang punan. Libreng makasasakay ng MRT-3 ang pasaherong magboboluntaryo sa random antigen testing at magne-negatibo ang resulta sa test,” the management said.
(Antigen testing is free for those who visit the testing station and declare their interest. Passengers will be given only one consent form to complete. As long as the passenger tests negative for the virus, a free ride will be given to them.)
As soon as the results turn positive, the management has indicated that it will ground the passenger and advise them to self-isolate and to contact their respective local government units (LGUs) for further monitoring.
“Sa oras naman na magpositibo sa antigen testing ang pasahero, hindi na ito papasakayin ng tren at aabisuhan na kaagad magself-isolate at makipag-ugnayan sa local government unit (LGU) para sa health monitoring at confirmatory RT-PCR testing,” the management announced.
(If the antigen test of the passenger tested positive, they are prohibited from riding the train and will be advised to self-isolate and communicate with the local government unit for health monitoring and confirmatory RT-PCR testing.)
MRT-3 management will continue to provide free antigen testing until further notice.
The first round of free random antigen screenings for MRT-3 was conducted from January 11 to 31.
READ: MRT-3 starts random COVID-19 antigen testing for passengers
As of Tuesday, the country registered 9,493 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, adding to the total caseload of 3, 569, 665.
READ: 9,493 new COVID-19 cases recorded, lowest since January 5
Jericho Zafra, trainee