Pateros opens mega swabbing facility 

Pateros has opened a mega swabbing facility for free coronavirus disease (COVID-19) testing of residents and those working in the municipality. 

Located at AMC gym in Bgy. San Roque, the mega swabbing facility has tested 303 people to date.  

According to Mayor Ike Ponce, the number of COVID-19 cases in Pateros continues to increase and “we need to strengthen our testing capability to control the spread of the virus in our municipality.”

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Pateros also brought back the liquor ban in Pateros to curb the spread of the disease. 

As of July 16, the last update given by the Department of Health (DOH) to the municipal government, Pateros has 128 confirmed COVID-19 cases including 69 recoveries and five deaths, leaving 52 active cases.  

Procedures to avail of free testing

Those wanting to be tested need to fill out a case investigation form online or get one from their barangay. They will then receive a text message containing an ID code and schedule of testing. Next, they proceed to the swabbing facility where they will present a valid ID and the ID code.

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Ponce said after the testing, people will receive a text message or call informing them of their test results. If they test positive, they will be visited by health workers. 

He said confirmed COVID-19-positive patients have two options: they can undergo home quarantine but they should have their own room and toilet, and there should not be a senior citizen or anyone who has an illness like asthma or diabetes in their home.

If home quarantine is not an option, patients will be admitted to isolation facilities.