MAYOR Isko Moreno ordered a stepped-up campaign to encourage Manila residents to subject themselves to swab testing, specially those who have returned or continue returning after vacationing outside of the city.
Moreno said the swab tests being administered by the local health authorities in various designated venues remain free of charge and are being offered not only to those who have or think they may have been exposed to carriers of the coronavirus but even to those who merely want peace of mind.
To date, Moreno said over 64,000 free swab tests have been administered by the city and this will continue. The free swab tests via drive-thru will begin Monday. The testing site is at the Qurino Grandstand in Luneta.
Of the number, about 31,000 were public transport drivers, market vendors, hotel employees and mall workers.
The mayor said the free swab tests also continue to be brought right at the doorsteps of the residents under a program set forth by the Manila Health Department (MHD) under Dr. Poks Pangan wherein health personnel go from one barangay to another conducting swab testing for those interested of avail it.
The MHD personnel are now seeking those who have recently returned to the city after spending the holidays outside of Manila.
In a related development, Moreno lauded Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) chief Re Fugoso for taking quick action on a 50-year-old man who was reported to have been living inside an abandoned tricycle.
The said man, Moreno said, was brought by Fugoso’s team to the Delpan Quarantine Facility where he was swabbed before being aided to go back to his home province of Samar.
Fugoso said Barangay 333 Chairwoman Theresa Cortez reported the matter to Fugoso who acted swiftly to help the homeless man return home after being swabbed to ensure he will not be carrying any virus to his family when he reunites with them.
