DOH to focus testing on severe cases despite more kits

The Department of Health (DOH) will continue conducting most COVID-19 tests at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), even with more test kits available.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire stated that mass testing is not feasible due to limited resources and capacity.

Vergeire assured that the Philippines can now conduct around 1,000 tests per day, with RITM handling an average of 600 tests daily.

Testing will remain focused on severe or vulnerable cases such as elderly individuals, those with pre-existing conditions, and high-risk pregnant women.