DOH 7 Plans Revival of Swab Tests in MCIA

The Department of Health Region 7 (DOH 7) plans to reactivate its protocol of having the Reverse Transcription – Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) at the Mactan-Cebu Internation Airport.

According to DOH-7 Chief Pathologist and COVID-19 Regional Spokesperson Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, the swab tests will help identify individuals that are positive with COVID-19 through while in the airport, protecting locals from possible transmission of COVID-19.

With the National Capital Region (NCR) implementing “bubble” lockdowns due to rising cases of COVID-19, Dr. Loreche said it is the best time to revive the swab test arriving passengers in MCIA.

Areas included in the NCR bubble are:

• Metro Manila
• Bulacan
• Cavite
• Laguna
• Rizal

The NCR Bubble is effective from March 22 to April 4.

However, according to Dr, Loreche, even with the bubble lockdown implemented in NCR (meaning lesser travelers from NCR), it is safer to still conduct swab tests in MCIA to be sure.

Dr. Loreche also said that they are conducting consultative meetings with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to revive the RT-PCR Tests in the said airport.

Earlier this month, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered the loosening of restrictions not anymore requiring PNP Travel Authority and a medical certificate the LGU for local travelers.

Inoculation of Vaccines for Senior Citizens

Dr. Loreche also urges local government units to hasten their preparation for the inoculation of vaccines for senior citizens and vulnerable sectors.

She said that LGUs should also strengthen their campaign against COVID-19 in the area to help protect senior citizens and vulnerable sectors while the next batch of vaccines is yet to be delivered. (ASC)