BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Mayor Salvador Escalante of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental emphasized the importance of releasing the test results for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in a fast manner – so as not to delay the needed response in controlling the viral illness.
“The release of swab test results is still slow running up 12 to 25 days at Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City,” Escalante lamented.
He pointed out that locally stranded individuals (LSIs) cannot be released from the city’s quarantine facilities without getting first their COVID-19 test results.
“We are struggling on how to contain LSIs and repatriated overseas workers,” Escalante explained.
According to the city mayor, the longer these repatriates stay at quarantine facilities, the more expense it will be for the city government.
“The city is providing their food, security detail, manpower and utilities,” Escalante said.
Cadiz City has 11 COVID-19 positive cases as of Friday.
In a related development, Escalante revealed that the city intends to establish its own molecular laboratory in partnership with a private company.
“This will decongest the Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital and we will invite neighboring provinces to have their swab samples tested at the proposed laboratory,” Escalante said./PN
