PNP to build COVID-19 testing facility in Central Visayas

The Philippine National Police (PNP) plans to expedite the establishment of its own COVID-19 testing facility in Central Visayas due to a rising number of infections among its personnel.

PNP chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa ordered the immediate construction of the Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing center to ensure quick testing for front-line police and their dependents.

This initiative comes as Cebu City was placed back under Enhanced Community Quarantine and Talisay City under Modified ECQ due to a surge in infections.

The PNP is currently seeking approval from the Department of Health for a suitable location for the proposed testing laboratory.

As of June 20, 2020, the PNP recorded 483 COVID-19 cases among its personnel, with 112 in Central Visayas, representing 1.6% of the country's 28,459 total cases reported as of June 19.

The PNP already operates an RT-PCR laboratory at Camp Crame, which received its license to operate from the DOH on May 26.

The PNP also has plans to establish similar testing centers in Davao City.