Philippine News Agency
Reported Covid-19 cases seen to rise with antigen test: DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) will now include positive results from antigen tests in the national COVID-19 tally, especially in the "NCR Plus" bubble.
This decision follows concerns raised by lawmakers about potential underreporting of cases.
Previously, only RT-PCR confirmed cases were counted, and positive antigen tests required confirmatory RT-PCR testing.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire stated that positive antigen tests will now be officially reported due to the current surge in cases.
The DOH is collaborating with the WHO on guidelines for this new procedure.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire expects an increase in reported COVID-19 cases with the inclusion of antigen test results.
Rapid antigen test kits will be deployed to the NCR Plus bubble for testing close contacts and symptomatic individuals.
However, antigen tests are not to be used for general screening purposes, such as at establishments or workplaces.
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