LRT-1 starts free random COVID-19 antigen tests for passengers

Light Rail Transit 1 (LRT-1). (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — The management of the Light Rail Transit 1 (LRT-1) will provide free random COVID-19 antigen tests to passengers on Saturday, January 15, and Monday, January 17, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) will provide the random testing for passengers who will give their consent or volunteer for testing, the DOTr sid.

Testing sites will be located at strategic LRT-1 stations with a high volume of passengers – Edsa, Baclaran, Monumento, and Carriedo.

“LRMC is targeting to have at least a total of 40 passengers to be tested from 7 am to 5 pm. The turnaround time for the whole procedure is approximately 15 to 20 minutes per passenger,” read a statement from the DOTr.

DOTr said the antigen test will be administered by medical professionals from State Lab Clinics and Diagnostic Center.

Passengers who will test positive will not be allowed to ride the train, and will be assisted in coordinating with their respective local government units. ‘

Meanwhile, LRMC will give a free beep card with minimum load to passengers who will test negative.

The DOTr said LRMC station employees will also undergo antigen tests, and a confirmatory RT-PCR test if they test positive.

All LRMC employees are also required to undergo daily monitoring of health conditions.

Before the LRT-1, free random antigen testing was already being conducted in other rail lines such as LRT-2, Metro Rail Transit 3, and the Philippine National Railways.

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