The government is moving to conduct antigen coronavirus testing in evacuation centers in a bid to curb the spread of the disease.

According to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, the rapid antigen tests will facilitate a swift detection and isolation of any evacuee infected with the new coronavirus disease.

Many families have sought refuge in evacuation centers after typhoon Ulysses brought heavy rains and deep floods in many parts of Luzon last week. The latest calamity has reportedly claimed more than 60 lives and caused billions of pesos in damage in crops and infrastructure.

"Bago pa imungkahi ng OCTA Group, ina-assure ko po kayo na in place na ang polisiya ng gobyerno na magbigay ng COVID testing sa mga evacuation centers. At ngayon ang gagamitin natin para mas marami at mas mabilis ay ang antigen tests  sa lahat ng mga evacuation centers (Before it was proposed by Octa Group, I assure you that the government's policy to conduct COVID testing in evacuation centers is  in place. And now, we will use antigen tests in all evacuation centers for faster results)," Roque said during a televised press briefing.

Asked if the government would conduct massive COVID testing in evacuation centers for free, Roque said: "Ginagawa na 'yan. Ang gamit po ay antigen test (That's being implemented. Antigen tests are used)."

Antigen testing that detect viral proteins in samples from a person is reportedly much faster and cheaper than the gold standard real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) tests.

Roque later clarified that he cannot give a guarantee that all evacuees could avail of the antigen testing. He said PCR testing may also be conducted as part of the government' s expanded testing efforts. 

"Kung hindi available ang PCR test, nandiyan din po ang antigen tests . Hindi ko masisigurado na lahat sila ay mabibigyan pero magkakaroon ng testing sa mga evacuation centers lalong-lalo na doon sa mayroon sintomas  (If PCR tests are not available, antigen tests can be conducted. I am not certain if everyone will be tested but there will be testing in evacuation centers especially those with symptoms)," he said.

OCTA research team recently appealed to local government units to enforce strict health measures in evacuation centers to prevent the coronavirus transmission. It also called for adequate COVID testing, contact tracing and isolation facilities for families staying in temporary shelters especially since more typhoons are expected to hit the country.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier called for the deployment of safety officers to ensure health standards are followed in evacuation centers. He admitted there was a strong possibility of coronavirus transmission if protocols such as wearing of masks and safe distancing are neglected.