Makati, Go Negosyo Collaborate To Launch Pooled Swab Testing For COVID-19

Makati, Go Negosyo To Launch Pooled Swab Testing For COVID-19

MAKATI – Go Negosyo joined forces with Makati City for the implementation of the pooled polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for COVID-19.

Private sectors and the Philippine government are doing their best to contain the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). On August 2, COVID-19 infections have breached the 100,000 mark and it could increase to 150,000 cases by the end of the month said an expert from the University of the Philippines (UP).

In a previous article, Dr. Antonio Dans of the Philippine Society of General Internal Medicine said the rapid antibody tests are not very accurate and it could be the reason for the spike of COVID-19 cases in the country. He urged companies and the local government units to stop using the method.

Based on a report from Philstar, a private sector has joined forces with Makati City for the launching of the pooled swab testing for coronavirus. The mass testing initiative called Project ARK (Antibody Rapid Test Kits) was spearheaded by Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion.

During the online ceremony for the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Wednesday, August 5, the pooled swab testing would be first implemented in Makati City.

According to the report, the signing of MOA was attended by Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, BDO Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson, ARK PCR chief private implementor Janette Garin, and the doctors from Philippines Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) Dr. Raymond Lo and Dr. Julius Lecciones.

Under Makati City’s MOA, 10,000 individuals can avail of the pooled swab testing targeted to start on August 15. Those to be tested are drivers, vendors, and residents near Makati Coliseum. The data and result of the testing will be used as a guide for the city government’s coronavirus response.