Palace to use antigen tests for typhoon evacuees

Malacañang announced that COVID-19 antigen tests will be utilized to screen evacuees in typhoon-hit communities to prevent the spread of the virus.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque stated that antigen tests will be available if PCR tests are not accessible, particularly for individuals showing symptoms.

The Department of Health explained that antigen tests are effective in detecting viral proteins and identifying acute or early infections.

This initiative follows a recommendation from the OCTA Research Team for LGUs to provide adequate testing, contact tracing, and isolation facilities for families in evacuation centers.

Thousands were displaced by typhoons Rolly and Ulysses, which caused significant damage and flooding in Luzon.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana reported that there have been no COVID-19 outbreaks in evacuation centers thus far.