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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marikina, other NCR+ areas next possible destination for OVP's Swab Cab

Marikina, other NCR+ areas next possible destination for OVP's Swab Cab

Published Apr 9, 2021 12:10 pm

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) is willing to bring the Swab Cab project to the National Capital Region Plus (NCR Plus) bubble, which includes the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and Laguna. 

A taxi driver (R) gets tested by health workers (L) for coronavirus COVID-19 at a makeshift testing station in a carpark in Hong Kong on July 19, 2020. - The deadly coronavirus is spreading out of control in Hong Kong with a record 100 new cases confirmed, the finance hub's leader said as she tightened social distancing measures to tackle the sudden surge in infections. (Photo by ISAAC LAWRENCE / AFP)
(Photo by ISAAC LAWRENCE / AFP)

Some local government units have reached out to the OVP for the Swab Cab project, but some of them are not yet ready to fill in the limitations that Vice President Leni Robredo’s office can provide. 

Robredo said the LGU must do the groundwork in tracing probably positive COVID-19 patients, as well as their contacts. They should also provide isolation facilities for the positive cases. 

“We can go to any city as long as the LGU is willing to partner with us,” she said in an interview over ANC’s Headstart Friday, April 9, as she explained that her office can provide the cabs, swabbers, antigen testing kits, COVID-19 kits, and supplies like tents and beddings for the isolation facilities. 

The vice president has been doing her part in capacitating LGUs test their respective communities where coronavirus transmission is very high. 

Her office and its partners have deployed three Swab Cabs to conduct free mobile antigen testing in Malabon City, the pilot area of the OVP’s new initiative.
The DOH had previously announced it will now include positive antigen results in the number of its reported cases daily. 
EMBED: https://mb.com.ph/2021/03/30/ovps-swab-cabs-conduct-free-covid-19-testing-in-malabon/

The Swab Cab’s next stop will “most probably” be in Marikina since they’re already meeting with the city’s 2nd District Rep. Stella Quimbo’s team Friday. 

Robredo said the congresswoman has been very receptive of the OVP’s requirements. 

The vice president noted they have also received requests from the LGUs of Cavite, Bulacan, and Pampanga.

These two provinces except Pampanga comprised the NCR Plus bubble, which is under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the country’s most restrictive type of lockdown, until April 11. 

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