The Taguig local government on Monday said it will continue to conduct aggressive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for its residents and other stakeholders as Metro Manila shifts to new quarantine alert level system to contain Covid-19.
Mayor Lino Cayetano said the aggressive RT-PCR testing is in adherence to government’s “Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, and Reintegrate” (PDITR) strategy to combat the pandemic amid the Alert Level 4 quarantine in the National Capital Region (NCR).
“Here in Taguig, we assure that every Taguigeño can get tested. We want all close contacts of positive cases to be tested free of charge and in the most convenient way for them. If your results came back positive, report to your health center and we will help you and guide you,” he said in a statement.
Taguig conducts 1,000 free RT-PCR tests a day, staying true to its commitment of providing accessible Covid-19 tests to its citizens to create a city that is safe for everyone.
A Department of Health (DOH) data released last August showed that Taguig City conducted the most RT-PCR tests in the NCR, besting even cities with larger populations in the region.
As of Sept. 18, a total of 200,175 RT-PCR tests were conducted in Taguig City, representing 20.27 percent of its local population.
Cayetano said Taguigeños at risk for Covid-19 infection may take an assessment for testing in two ways — through www.taguiginfo.com or by calling the Taguig Covid-19 hotline or the 31 Barangay Health Centers and Super Health Centers for the assessment forms to be delivered to their homes.
Taguig residents and workers can get tested at over 35 testing sites all over the City — 31 Barangay Health Centers and Super Health Centers, drive-through testing sites in Lakeshore and BGC, via the Park ‘N Test in VistaMall Parking Building or via the mobile testing truck.
Taguig has also established its own molecular laboratory which allows for faster and easier processing of specimens, conducting of more accessible RT-PCR tests.
“Getting tested is essential in controlling the spread of the virus. By knowing your health status, you would know what to do — undergo quarantine and recover from the coronavirus,” Cayetano said.
Due to its testing, contact tracing, and aggressive vaccination efforts, Taguig City despite having high numbers in Covid-19 cases, the locality remains relatively low when it comes to active cases per 100,000 population at 174 active cases compared to 278 of the National Capital Region average and remains to have the lowest case fatality rate at 0.73 percent compared to the average of Metro Manila at 1.85 percent.
“Citizens of Taguig are continuously encouraged to stay vigilant as Covid-19 is still prevalent in the country. The City Government assures its citizens that it will not stop in keeping its citizens safe and well-supported during these times,” Cayetano said. (PNA)
