By Donna Rempillo
TARLAC CITY- Governor Susan Yap has donated three months of her salary that would allow the province to purchase almost 500 units of rapid diagnostic kits in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 pandemic.
Tarlac Governor Susan Yap (Photo via Donna Rempillo / MANILA BULLETIN)
Following suit, Vice Governor Carlito David and all the members of the provincial board likewise gave up their salaries amounting to P1.2 million.
Of these amounts donated by the provincial officials, P375,000 will be used in purchasing kits for the Tarlac Provincial Hospital (TPH) and other hospitals in the province to test probable cases of COVID-19.
āThis is the bayanihan spirit in our fight against the COVID-19 and this is for our fellow TarlaqueƱosā Yap stressed.
TPH Chief Dr. Gary Role said the rapid test accurately detects when performed within three to five days of the onset of illness.
āThe test kits will be utilized to persons with a history of exposure to COVID-19 confirmed cases, persons who have COVID-19 symptoms and those who develop sudden onset of severe acute respiratory illness,ā Role said.
The provincial hospital has been expanded from 35 to 50-bed capacity, as Yap noted that they have already purchased personal protective equipment (PPEs), thermal scanners, gloves and face masks.
āWe are also in constant coordination with our doctors and medical staff in the province to make sure that we are always prepared in terms of the medical supplies and the facilities,ā she said.