Makati Mayor Abby Binay led the pilot implementation of pooled swab testing for COVID-19 on Wednesday at the Makati Coliseum. The method is among being considered by the national government to swiftly test more people for the disease.
Public utility vehicle drivers and market vendors, were the first ones to get tested in pools for being high-risk. The local government unit aims to test 6,000 residents from Sept. 2 to 8, according to the My Makati Facebook page
Pooled tests, which uses the more accurate RT-PCR technology, can screen 10 to 20 people per test kit. A negative result will clear the entire pool, while positive findings will subject the individuals in smaller groups to further testing.
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Last month, it was reported that the country's financial hub will be the pilot area of the cheaper and faster method, in hopes of expediting testing efforts in the metro. Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said five people could share one kit.
