MANILA, Philippines — Another 74 laboratories may soon be ready to process tests for the coronavirus disease 2019 in the coming weeks, in addition to the 99 currently licensed testing laboratories across the country. According to Vergeire, all regions in the country except Caraga already have their own licensed testing lab. There are five stages for the licensing of COVID-19 testing laboratories: stage 1 is for self-assessment and application, stage 2 is for assessment from the DOH and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, stage 3 is for compliance to requirements, stage 4 is for proficiency testing, and stage 5 is for full-scale implementation. Aside from the 74 testing labs, there are now eight laboratories under stage 1, and five under stage 2. ADVERTISEMENTThe total COVID-19 caseload so far in the country rose to 112,593, with additional 6,352 cases reported on Tuesday.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer August 05, 2020 08:26 UTC