Taguig to continue free RT-PCR tests

The Taguig City Hall (From the official Taguig blog at WordPress)

MANILA, Philippines — Taguig will continue its free RT-PCR testing even after Metro Manila had reverted to the general community quarantine with a new alert level system, Mayor Lino Cayetano said in a statement issued on Monday.

Metro Manila is currently under Alert Level 4 based on the area’s case data and healthcare utilization rates.

READ: Metro Manila to start pilot run of new COVID-19 alert level system on Sept. 16

“Here in Taguig, we assured that every Taguigeño can get tested. We want all close contacts of positive cases to be tested free of charge and in the most convenient way for them. If your results came back positive, report to your health center and we will help you and guide you,” Cayetano said.

“Getting tested is essential in controlling the spread of the virus. By knowing your health status, you would know what to do — undergo quarantine and recover from the coronavirus,” he added.

The RT-PCR testing in the city is part of its adherence in implementing the PIDTR strategy to combat COVID-19 — that is prevent and detect infections and isolate, treat, and reintegrate patients.

As of Sept. 18, Taguig leads the country in the number of RT-PCR tests conducted, with a total of 200,175, representing 20.27 % of its population, according to the Department of Health’s (DOH).

The city attributes its low number of active cases per 100,000 population to its testing, contact tracing, and aggressive vaccination efforts. It also has the lowest case fatality rate at 0.73% compared to the Metro Manila average of 1.85%.

As of Sept. 20, Taguig has a total of 46,222 COVID-19 cases, with 1,988 active infections, 40,326 recoveries, and 308 deaths.

Meanwhile, under the new alert level system, granular lockdowns will be implemented in areas with high cases of COVID-19. This refers to localized lockdowns where residents will not be allowed to go in and out of their homes.

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