Delayed test results in Manila explained

Manila’s free swab testing hit a snag after 14 personnel of the city’s molecular testing laboratory tested positive for the coronavirus effectively delaying the release of test results.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso apologized for the delay.

“I would like to be honest with all of you. While our goal is 24 hours when it comes to releasing the results of swab tests, that cannot be done at the moment due to the depletion of our personnel in charge of the laboratory where the samples are taken for analysis,” Moreno said.

A report from Sta. Ana Hospital director Dr. Grace Padilla, 14 employees running the lab are now undergoing quarantine.

The mayor said the affected personnel cannot be replaced since they are equipped with special skills and knowledge that are required for their specific functions.

Because of this, Moreno said results now take up to 72 hours to be released.

Despite the delays, Moreno assured that the free swab testing both of Manilans and non-Manilans will continue to be given in the city.

He also advised those in need of antigen tests to go to any of the city-owned hospitals where they too, can be availed of it for free.

Apart from the Sta. Ana Hospital, Moreno said that free swab tests are also being given at the city government-run hospitals and the drive-thru facility at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta.

Moreno said the city endeavors to make vaccination and getting booster shots more accessible and readily available to Manileños and non-Manileños.