RITM suspends COVID-19 testing

MANILA, Philippines — Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR tests for COVID are no longer available at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Muntinlupa City. In an advisory posted on its Facebook page, the RITM suspended RT-PCR testing starting yesterday.

“The RITM’s online portal will not accept COVID test appointments,” the institute said.

The RITM assured the public that it would speed up the process of bringing back the COVID testing.

The STAR tried but failed to get the RITM’s reason for suspending COVID testing.

Heart Center bans visitors

Meanwhile, the management of the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) started implementing yesterday a “no visitor” policy amid the continued rise in COVID cases.

The PHC said the move aims to prevent the spread of the virus among its healthcare workers and patients.

“Please be informed that the PHC will not accept visitors until further notice,” the hospital management said.

The PHC appealed for understanding from patients and the public.

The hospital has 114 ward and ICU beds for COVID patients.

The Department of Health recorded an average of 1,773 COVID cases daily from May 8 to 14.

The figure is 31 percent higher than the 1,352 COVID cases logged from May 1 to 7. –  Rhodina Villanueva