Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Senator Richard Gordon appealed for patience and understanding on Wednesday, Jan. 12 to the public as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) testing at three PRC molecular laboratories in Metro Manila faced delays.

In a statement, the PRC head said that many its personnel and staff members have been infected with COVID-19 and has slowed down the labs' operations.

"Metro Manila is currently under the most serious and widespread wave of Covid-19. Unfortunately, many health staff and med techs of our PRC labs are themselves Covid-positive and need to isolate," he said.

"This has resulted in delays in our processing of tests as the number of our personnel has been reduced. However, the PRC is already applying measures to remedy the situation. We are mobilizing staff from our provincial laboratories and provincial chapters to help us continue our services. These are truly trying times but the PRC is committed to fulfilling its duties amid these formidable challenges," he added.

Despite this, Gordon said PRC molecular laboratories remain open and will continue provide services. He added that the PRC labs are coping with the increasing demand for testing by mobilizing personnel from provincial laboratories and chapter offices. Test samples are also being sent to provincial laboratories for testing.

According to Gordon, the PRC continues its work on blood services, hemodialysis, vaccinations, and health services for the victims of Typhoon Odette in CARAGA, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, and Palawan.

Gordon explained that other than being understaffed due to the COVID-19 surge, the affected PRC labs at times need to do retesting of samples to get the most accurate, reliable results. He assured the public that the PRC is doing all it can to provide service in the most effective and efficient ways possible.