Dagupan City begins COVID-19 mass testing for 600 front-liners

Dagupan City has begun mass testing of approximately 600 front-liners for COVID-19, including Mayor Marc Brian Lim, using RT-PCR test kits.

Four swabbing booths were set up at the Dagupan City Astrodome for this risk-based initiative, which is a collaboration between the city government and the Philippine Red Cross.

The city has allotted 2,000 RT-PCR test kits and 2,000 rapid antibody test kits for essential workers, police, firemen, BJMP employees, barangay officials, and those in private hospitals and high-risk industries.

Results from the RT-PCR tests are expected within 48 hours, faster than the Department of Health's typical turnaround time.

Contact tracing and a 14-day quarantine will be implemented for any positive cases identified by Dr. Ophelia T. Rivera, the city's focal person on COVID-19 issues.