On July 15, Manila City became the country’s second local government unit (LGU) after Taguig City to launch a drive-thru COVID-19 testing service, and it already successfully drew over 700 people to get tested for the virus.
Offered free of charge to both residents and non-residents of Manila, the service led to heavy traffic around Lawton’s Kartilya ng Katipunan monument where it was located.
However, this kind of traffic is seen as a “good problem,” according to Manila City mayor Isko Moreno. For him, testing possible COVID-19 patients is more important than minding the traffic that it caused.
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“Nag-traffic po talaga, pero ako iba po ang perspective ko. That is a sign of a good problem, why? Totoo pala na ang tao, gusto niyang magpa-test but the problem is wala siyang access,” said Moreno during a briefing on July 16.
Additionally, he pointed out that the LGU’s free drive-thru testing proved the public’s willingness to get tested if they didn’t have to pay for it.
“Second problem is economic, walang pera eh, hindi kumita eh. Oh ngayon nagkaroon ng libre, dumagsa,” said the Manila mayor.
Out of the first 235 people who took the drive-thru tests, 31 showed positive results. The mayor noted that this should be a reminder for everyone to take health protocols seriously.
“’Yon po ang punto namin mga kababayan, minsan mukha tayong walang virus, mukha tayong malusog, at kalaunan ay tayo’y magiging relax. But chances are, carrier na pala tayo,” he said.
Following the successful run of the drive-thru testing service in Lawton, Moreno said that they are seeking to open more drive-thru facilities. Among the locations they’re mulling over is the Quirino Grandstand, which could cater to more people and lessen the heavy traffic repercussions at the same time.
“Bigyan niyo lang ako siguro ng mga 48 hours, I will do my very best with the help of our co-workers in the city, we will try to develop a new site, so ibig kong sabihin, tuloy pa rin ho ang Lawton, pero magbibigay tayo ng additional option,” said Moreno, who noted that the service in Lawton is still important because of the location’s high accessibility.
Header photo from Inquirer.net
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