The Office of Civil Defense has distributed rapid antigen kits to at least 45 hospitals and local government units in the National Capital Region and four adjacent provinces in a bid to maximize the mass testing amid the continuous threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In a statement, the OCD said they have already distributed a total of 97,000 rapid antigen kits in the NCR Plus composed of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal and Laguna. The rapid antigen kits were procured by the OCD.
The OCD has been given clearance by the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-MEID) as part of the government’s efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The OCD was allowed to procure anti-COVID test kits and other equipment through its quick response fund to procure the said test kits, initially with the fund of P500,000.
In a statement, the OCD said the procured Abbott Panbio COVID-19 Ag rapid test devices, which were delivered in two batches, are stored in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, and were purchased to ensure the swift detection of cases and tracing of close contacts.
A training on the use of the test kits was also conducted yesterday 14 April 2021 via the ZOOM platform for health care personnel who will be tasked to administer the tests in the recipient LGUs and hospitals.
The OCD also continues to carry its other functions in COVID-19 response operations which include logistical support to COVID-19 facilities nationwide and management of donations.