Manila starts free drive-thru testing for COVID-19

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 15) — The City of Manila has launched its own free drive-thru testing for COVID-19.

Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso said anyone, even non-residents of Manila, can avail of the rapid tests. They only need to bring a government-issued ID, he added.

"Ang pwedeng dumaan dito? Dalawang gulong, motorized, non-motorized; tatlong gulong... o apat na gulong. Any John Does and Mary," said Moreno in an interview.

[Translation: Those allowed to pass here? Two-wheeled, motorized, non-motorised; three-wheeled…or four-wheeled. Any John Does and Mary]

Moreno said testing is available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in front of the Andres Bonifacio Monument in Ermita.

Patients will receive an update on the results within 24 hours either through text or e-mail, he said.

If the result is positive, a swab test will follow, he added.

Moreno said the current testing capacity for the drive-thru program is 11,000, but the city will continue to purchase more as long as it has the budget for it.

A similar initiative was launched in Taguig City in April.