THE Manila Emergency Operation Center (MEOC) under the Manila Health Department (MHD) has come up with updated RT-PCR swab testing hotlines in an effort to accommodate more people needing free swab tests.

Mayor Isko Moreno announced this, as he stressed that the drive-thru swab testing at the Quirino Grandstand is strictly by appointment only.

Citing a report from MEOC head Dr. Ed Santos, Moreno said the drive-thru swab center schedules 100 individuals per day, on a first-come, first-served basis and based on the scheduled appointments.

Swab testing has been free from the day the center was set up and it continues to be given by the MEOC under the stewardship of MHD chief Dr. Arnold Pangan, even for non-residents of Manila.

According to Santos, those interested to undergo free swab testing may contact the following hotlines: 09555875981; 09983226367; 09555875976; 09052423327; 09636023177 and 09615869957.

Santos explained that there is a need to call first in order to give way to an interview and encoding in the system before giving the schedule for the swab test.

Moreno said the swab tests may be availed of not only by those who were exposed to a COVID positive individual but also for purposes of job requirement or mere peace of mind.

Once the result comes out, the system at the Sta. Ana Hospital under Dr. Grace Padilla will send it via email and if the one who got tested has no email, the MEOC will give him a call, Moreno explained.

A total of 198,698 individuals have so far availed of the free swab testing being continuously given by the city government, not only via drive-thru but also through the six city-run hospitals.

Meanwhile, the mayor reported during his live broadcast that the occupancy rate in the city’s six hospitals is at 59 percent while in the quarantine facilities, the occupancy rate is 37 percent. As of the other night, there were 416 new COVID-19 infections recorded, three deaths and 449 recoveries.

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Itchie G. Cabayan