JORDAN, Guimaras – The provincial government of Guimaras has started a study to determine the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the island using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT).
The study primarily focuses on identifying COVID-19 cases, particularly those who developed antibodies to SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-9.
Gov. Samuel Gumarin said the main goal is to establish a baseline data on COVID-19 pandemic in the province.
Covered by the study are Guimaras residents and non-resident commuters going in and out of the province.
The sampling size is 2,187 which include the following:
* residents who undergo dialysis and chemotherapy
* residents working outside the province
* non-residents working in Guimaras
* residents who travel for more than 10 times in a given month
* residents who stayed for more than five days outside Guimaras
* non-residents who intend to stay in the province for more than two nights.
These targets will be subjected to RDT at testing stations in the Jordan Wharf, Buenavista Wharf and Ro-Ro Wharf.
Gumarin said the RDT is free for residents and non-residents.
For outbound residents and residents who stayed outside the province for more than five days who will test positive for IgM (Immunoglobulin M), they will be subjected to RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) test and will be brought to the quarantine facility.
If the participant tested positive for IgG (Immunoglobulin G) only, he/she will undergo Rapid Antigen Test but will be released.
IgM is found mainly in blood and lymph fluid. This is the first antibody the body makes when it fights a new infection.
On the other hand, IgG is the most common antibody. It’s in blood and other body fluids, and protects against bacterial and viral infections. IgG can take time to form after an infection or immunization.
Moreover, individuals who developed IgG antibody to SARS COV-2 can be a potential donor of convalescence plasma in treatment of COVID-19 patients in the future.
Gumarin said the result of the study can be a basis to develop program on the prevention, control and management of COVID-19 as well as to strengthen the programs and services as response to COVID-19 pandemic./PN
