Subic, Clark to open new COVID-19 testing centers

Two molecular laboratories and testing centers in Subic and Clark are set to open as a collaboration between the Philippine Red Cross, Department of Health, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, and the private sector.

The molecular laboratory and testing center in Subic is already finished and is capable of processing up to 2,000 samples per day.

Mass testing in Subic is expected to start by the first week of May.

The molecular laboratory in Clark will be completed by Wednesday and will have three polymerase chain reaction machines capable of conducting up to 1,500 tests per day once fully operational.

This initiative aims to build up the country's testing capacity to test more individuals throughout the Philippines.

The Philippine Red Cross has already opened two testing laboratories in Mandaluyong City, and a third facility will be opening soon in its old headquarters in Manila.

Returning overseas Filipino workers will undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.