Red Cross opens molecular center

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) has opened a molecular laboratory that would further bolster the island's COVID-19 testing capacity.

Senator and PNRC Chairman Richard Gordon said the opening of the PRC Molecular Laboratory at the PRC Regional Logistics Hub in Jagobiao, Mandaue City would be a big help in Cebu's fight against COVID-19.

Gordon said the laboratory is capable of testing 4,000 samples a day.

"Yung capacity niya is 4,000 testing per day but we can increase the capacity to 6,000 per day. We can put two additional machines," Gordon said during yesterday's inauguration of the facility.

He said that test results will be released within 48 hours.

Gordon added that a COVID ambulance will soon arrive anytime soon.

"Makatutulong ito sa Cebu," the senator added.

The facility will also have negative-pressure rooms and also features a modular swabbing area.

Aside from Gordon, the event was graced by Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, Cebu Sixth District Representative Emmarie Ouano-Dizon, Jose Emery Joy Roble - Board of Governor PRC, Sec. Gen. Elizabeth Zavalla and Secretary Vince Dizon of IATF.  GAN (FREEMAN)