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MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is considering the use of antigen test kits to increase its efforts to track new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in its ranks.
“I instructed the Health Service (PNP) to study the antigen in order to use it correctly. We will use the antigen if necessary, ”PNP chief General Camilo Cascolan told the ABS-CBN news channel on Wednesday.
Antigen testing uses a nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swab for specimen collection. Use laboratory or healthcare settings to process samples.
The Interagency Working Group (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases previously approved the use of antigen tests for asymptomatic domestic travelers. But the Health Department said they will review the guidelines for antigen testing before they can be used for tourists.
Meanwhile, Cascolan said they still have reserve forces ready to assist the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), which is “badly affected” by the coronavirus disease pandemic.
“We already have more or less 210,000 PNP. The worst affected region is the NCRPO and Camp Crame has reserve forces that could augment the NCRPO. That is why we have no problems with infected people, ”he said.
As of Tuesday, the PNP has recorded 5,206 COVID-19 cases with 1,439 deaths and 3,751 recoveries.
The PNP has an operational reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) laboratory at its headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. The laboratory can process 150 tests per day.
Another molecular laboratory will open soon at the Cebu Provincial Police Office Headquarters to test more front-line policemen.
/ MUF
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