BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) Negros Occidental Chapter urged coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients showing mild symptoms to complete their mandatory 14-day quarantine.
Reports reached the PCP-Negros Occidental that some COVID-19 patients are seeking early repeat swab tests in hopes of getting a negative result so they could shorten their quarantine time.
Dr. Michael Thomas Salvador, president of PCP-Negros Occidental, said repeat tests should be done only in situations deemed as necessary by the attending physician.
“A negative COVID-19 test result within 10 days of a positive test does not override the initial result,” Salvador explained.
The physician further said, “The risk of exposing more individuals to possible infection when relying on a false negative repeat test is high.”
Salvador likewise reminded the public to observe minimum health standards when going outdoors or heading to work./PN
