Bataan inaugurates first COVID-19 testing lab

The province of Bataan has inaugurated its first COVID-19 testing laboratory, the 1Bataan-BGHMC PCR Laboratory, on June 11, 2020, significantly boosting the province's capacity to combat the virus.

This new facility, led by Governor Albert S. Garcia and Dr. Glory Baltazar, can process up to 250 tests daily in two shifts, drastically reducing the waiting time for results from weeks to just two to three days.

The lab is equipped with PCR machines operated by four pathologists and sixteen med techs, and will also utilize GeneXpert machines provided by the Department of Health (DOH) for emergency cases, offering results in under an hour.

Strict safety protocols, including negative pressure, HEPA filters, and bio-safety tools, have been implemented to prevent contamination within the laboratory.

Governor Garcia highlighted that this capability allows for quicker identification, isolation, and treatment of COVID-19 positive patients, alongside an effective contact-tracing system to curb the virus's spread.

He also noted the importance of the lab in managing the return of over 20,000 workers to Bataan's partially reopened economy, aiming to prevent a second wave of infections.

Governor Garcia expressed gratitude for the dedication and courage of the medical frontliners, particularly those at the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), who remained steadfast in their service throughout the pandemic.