DAVAO CITY – The “Swab Drive-Thru” at the Davao Crocodile Park grounds here has been extended for six months or from May 17 until Nov. 17 as the city government ramped up its community surveillance testing to detect more active COVID-19 cases.
Dr. Ashley Lopez, acting head of the Davao City Health Office (CHO), said in an interview over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) Thursday that the Swab Drive-Thru would no longer be exclusive to drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) and online food delivery services as it would open to other businesses and establishments whose workers need to undergo swabbing.
Lopez said the local government extended Swab Drive-Thru upon the suggestion of several companies because the site is more spacious and convenient than the Sta. Ana Health Center here which has become congested with referrals from various barangays in this city.
“They asked if we can retain the Crocodile Park because it’s spacious and there’s fresh air. You can take a rest while waiting for your turn to be swabbed. There is also no problem about the parking area,” he added.
To decongest Sta. Ana Health Center, Lopez said district health offices have been directed to open swab units to cater to their residents who show symptoms of influenza-like illness like cough, fever, and colds in the communities.
He said the city government plans to open another swab site – either the People’s Park or Rizal Park for people in the city’s central business district to complement the Swab Drive-Thru at the Davao Crocodile Park.
But Lopez added that the local government needs to employ additional swabbers.
Opened on April 26, Lopez claimed the reception of the Dabawenyos for the first-ever Swab Drive-Thru was notable.
He said the swab site is open from Monday to Saturday.