Results of Covid-19 test for OFWs may take longer as PCG pre-processing back to manual

Returning overseas Filipino workers (OFW) would have to wait a little longer before they can receive the result of their reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) returned to a slower manual “pre-processing” of swab samples.

In a message on Friday, PCG spokesperson, Commodore Armando Balilo said the return to manual pre-processing was due to the Philippine Red Cross’ (PRC) decision to stop coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) tests that are chargeable to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

This, he said, forced the PCG to use government laboratories for the measure.

Here is the Philippine Coast Guards’ Press Statement:

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) would like to inform returning overseas Filipinos (ROF) that as of yesterday, 15 October 2020, the service has returned to the manual pre-processing of swab samples collected at the One-Stop Shops (OSS) in NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

With this, RT-PCR test results may be received in 1 – 2 days via email, instead less than 24 hours with the automated pre-processing system.

The PCG, through its Command Center, is once again tasked to provide negative RT-PCR test results, while the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) will handle coordination to all ROFs who will be declared positive for COVID-19.

To ensure that the manual pre-processing of swab samples is implemented in the fastest way possible, PCG frontline personnel who are securing quarantine hotels are now working with Coast Guard units assigned at the airport.

PCG Commandant, Admiral George V Ursabia Jr has directed the PCG Task Force Bayanihan ROF to perform necessary measures to lessen inconvenience to ROFs caused by the return to the manual pre-processing of swab samples at the OSS. Admiral Ursabia said he is willing to deploy more personnel at the NAIA to further address this issue.

As of 01:00 p.m. today, 16 October 2020, a total of 116 PCG frontline personnel have manually encoded 30% of 2,833 ROF swab samples collected yesterday to be processed before transport to designated government laboratories that will conduct RT-PCR analyses.

Since the PCG is only given 100 slots per day, per government laboratory, transport personnel of the PCG are tasked to visit numerous government laboratories, instead of just one, for the processing of all swab samples collected yesterday.

Hence, the PCG appeals for patience and understanding, especially to ROFs who have to be isolated longer in their designated quarantine facilities. Rest assured that the service will continue to work proactively with lead government agencies to restore the automated pre-processing of swab samples and the release of RT-PCR test results in less than 24 hours.