Makati City has made COVID-19 RT-PCR (the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) tests, the gold standard for testing, more affordable and accessible to private citizens as well as business establishments operating in the city.
This was announced by Mayor Abigail "Abby" Binay on Friday, November 20.
In a statement, Binay said that the city’s individual PCR tests are priced at an affordable P2,950, saying this is way cheaper than the swab test of private clinics and hospitals in Metro Manila which are priced between P4,500 and P8,500.
This was made possible by the city government by partnering with public hospitals and private testing laboratories in order for more residents of Makati to get tested for COVID-19, the mayor said.
She added that results will be released faster than of those from pricy private clinics and hospitals. This is in order to give immediate medical treatment to individuals who are found positive for COVID-19, the mayor added.
“I have always believed in mass testing as a way to prevent further transmission of the coronavirus. From the very start, Makati has looked for ways to bring COVID-19 tests to our employees and residents, especially the most vulnerable sectors of society,” said Binay.
Makati City said residents and companies can book for their RT-PCR tests privately by logging on to www.safemakati.com.
Makati is one of the first cities in Metro Manila to implement mass testing for the coronavirus.
Notably, Makati began testing front liners, employees, and members of the police force for coronavirus as early as April.
The city has also tested P6,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and market vendors in September during the pooled “mass testing” program under Project ARK.
“Now that we have more experience in mass testing, I am encouraging companies, businesses, establishments, and private individuals to take advantage of our offer. Just go online and book for a test, even if you don’t feel any symptoms or have not come in contact with anyone who tested positive for COVID-19,” she said.