NTF, McDonald's launch COVID-19 testing initiative

The National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 and McDonald's Philippines have launched a public-private initiative to expand the country's testing capacity for COVID-19.

A testing facility was inaugurated at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, a collaboration involving McDonald's Philippines, the NTF, and the local governments of Pasig and Rizal province.

Close to 20,000 McDonald's restaurant crew and managers in the National Capital Region will benefit from free COVID-19 tests.

The initiative aims to provide free RT-PCR tests for McDonald's employees, residents of Rizal province, Pasig City, and nearby communities, as well as around 1,000 tricycle drivers in Pasig City.

McDonald's Philippines president and CEO Kenneth Yang stated that the safety of employees and customers is central to their operating culture and that the company is committed to partnering with the government to promote economic recovery and provide jobs.

NTF chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. lauded McDonald's for its initiatives under the 'M Safe' campaign to protect its staff and, in effect, the diners amid the pandemic.

The country has conducted 4.2 million tests for COVID-19 as of October 14, with 147 licensed COVID-19 testing laboratories.