SELF-TEST Antigen test kits provide faster results than the RT-PCR tests, considered the gold-standard in COVID-19 testing. —NIñO JESUS ORBETA/INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — More than 500,000 COVID-19 test results from antigen kits have been reported to the Department of Health (DOH) since it was made mandatory in January.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said a total of 562,632 antigen test results were recorded from January to March 12. Of the total, 79,586 tested positive or a positivity rate of 14.15 percent.
By month, the highest positivity rate was recorded in January at 21 percent. It dropped to just 2.8 percent and 2.7 percent in February and March, respectively.
Vergeire said the DOH aims to institutionalize the process of antigen test reporting within the year. —Kathleen de Villa
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