PH now has 26 accredited COVID-19 testing centers

The Philippines now has 26 accredited COVID-19 testing centers, with two more facilities recently certified by the Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH reported that the country had a testing capacity of 7,215 daily as of May 9, potentially increasing to 9,500 with the inclusion of the Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital.

As of May 9, a total of 149,640 individuals had been tested for COVID-19 nationwide, with 90% testing negative.

The government aims to expand its testing capacity, with 90 facilities currently undergoing the certification process, and 65 of these already at Stage 3 or above.

The existing three mega swabbing centers, including the new one at SM Mall of Asia Arena, were established to increase daily testing, with the initial goal of 5,000 tests per day from these centers alone.

The overall capacity to manage and admit COVID-19 patients is adequate, with more than 50 percent of beds and mechanical ventilators in ICU, isolation, and COVID wards available.