The Taguig City government has unveiled today (Sept. 25) its coronavirus disease (COVID-19) mega-complex facility at Lakeshore Complex in Bgy. Lower Bicutan which houses a molecular laboratory, mega-quarantine facility and national testing facility.
The opening of the molecular laboratory and mega-quarantine facility coincided with the National Task Force meeting at Lakeshore Complex attended by Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr., Health Sec. Francisco Duque III, Interior and Local Government Sec. Eduardo Año and Sec. Vince Dizon.
According to the city government, the Department of Health (DOH) granted the molecular laboratory a license to operate on Sept. 13. The laboratory will have a manual and automated testing machine and is expected to help Taguig reach its target of 100,000 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests by the end of the year, equivalent to 10 percent of the city population.
As of Sept. 23, Taguig has conducted 49,993 RT-PCR tests representing 5 percent of the population.
“This testing facility will be a long-term benefit to the city to help us better manage the COVID-19 situation. Aside from that, the lab can also test pathogens affecting both humans and animals, allowing us to avert serious health issues in the future,” said Mayor Lino Cayetano.
The Taguig City government also opened today the 500-bed capacity COVID-19 Lakeshore mega-quarantine facility for suspected and positive patients. A total of 70 units were initially opened today while the other units will be opened in the next few weeks. The entire complex is expected to be completed in three months, before Christmas
Each unit has a bed, air-conditioning unit, bath, toilet and a living room. Robonurses, created by the students of the Taguig Robotics Team, will help in providing care for the patients.