TARLAC CITY – Gov. Susan Yap cited today the action plans of the provincial government in mitigating the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In a video update, Yap said the Tarlac capitol targets to test approximately 700 frontline workers in private and government hospitals, barangay health workers, health units and emergency responders through the expanded COVID-19 testing that started on April 28.
“As of today, we have already submitted 445 swab tests to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in Mandaluyong. Out of the 122 test results, 120 yielded negative while the two confirmed COVID-19 cases are set to undergo a two-week quarantine period at the New Clark City in Capas town for further observation. There are still 323 pending test results from the PRC,” she noted.
The governor also mentioned that there are 559 specimens sent for COVID-19 testing to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and Lung Center of the Philippines.
Out of the total tests submitted, 324 turned-out to be negative and 27 tested positive for COVID-19. “So far, we now have 13 recoveries and we are still waiting for the 205 test results from both institutions,” Yap noted.
In terms of the quarantine sites, Yap cited that the local government units have set-up quarantine facilities in their respective towns and city.
“We have the 50-bed capacity facility in Tarlac Provincial Hospital (TPH) for critical and severe COVID-19 cases. Meanwhile, we have identified the Enrique Cojuangco Memorial District Hospital in Moncada and La Paz Medicare Hospital to accommodate positive patients with mild or asymptomatic cases,” she stated.
On top of these, Yap highlighted the on-going construction of Molecular Laboratory in TPH geared towards the conduct of 500 tests per day.
“We are aiming to examine at least 10 percent of the total population of Tarlac to fully see and analyze the current COVID-19 situation in the province,” she said.
On another note, the governor thanked the Tarlaqueños for adhering to the implementing rules of the government and advised them to always remain vigilant.
“Don’t be too complacent with the low figures of Covid-19 cases in the province. Stay home, wear your masks in public places, practice social distancing, wash your hands and use alcohol,” Yap added. — Trixie Joy B. Manalili/PIA–3
