DOH awaits assessment of proposed Covid-19 labs in Tacloban, Zamboanga

The DOH is waiting for an onsite assessment of a proposed regional coronavirus testing lab in Tacloban, which will be conducted by representatives from the DOH central office, WHO, and RITM.

80 percent of safety infrastructure requirements have been completed and 90 percent of needed machines are available.

In Zamboanga City, preparations are underway for a new Covid-19 testing center that is expected to open on April 20. The Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory was chosen over the Zamboanga City Medical Center due to its isolated location, ensuring patient safety.

The new lab will serve Region 9 and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), reducing the need for samples to be sent to Manila or Davao.