Valenzuela City starts first localized mass COVID-19 testing

Valenzuela City has launched the country's first localized mass COVID-19 testing program for residents suspected of having the disease, along with health workers and front liners.

The initiative prioritizes the city's 537 persons under investigation (PUIs) and persons under monitoring (PUMs), followed by health workers, social workers, other front liners, and returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Mayor Rex Gatchalian stated that the city can conduct up to 1,000 tests weekly, with results expected within two days, which is faster than the national government's usual processing time.

This mass testing is part of a public-private partnership with The Medical City, where Valenzuela City provides test kits and administers swab tests, while The Medical City processes the samples.

The city government has earmarked funds to cover the cost of the tests, which amount to P5,150 each.

Testing will be conducted at the residences of individuals exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or those who call the city's hotlines.

As of the article's publication, Valenzuela City has 40 confirmed COVID-19 patients, with three recoveries and four deaths.