The molecular laboratory of the Police Regional Office-7 (Central Visayas) has secured a clearance to operate from the Department of Health (DOH) for the testing of police personnel for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday.

“We are glad to inform the public that the PNP Regional Health Service 7 Molecular Laboratory to be used for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) testing of police personnel has been given by the DOH a clearance to operate today (Wednesday) after finalizing the necessary permits and the training of the PNP medical personnel who will operate the facility,” PNP officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said in a statement.

He said the facility located within the compound of Camp Sotero Cabahug in Cebu City will accommodate real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for PNP personnel in Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas for possible Covid-19 infection.

“With this great development, our PNP-Health Service is in close coordination with the PNP- Directorate for Comptrollership for the purchase of reagents and supplies needed by the Regional Health Service 7 Molecular Laboratory so that it can finally takeoff full well in serving its principal clients, our police personnel,” Eleazar added.

He said the facility will be able to accommodate 60 to 80 manual and 120 to 180 automated Covid-19 tests per day.

The PNP earlier said it would implement regular swab testing for police front-liners deployed for maintenance of peace and order and the observance of minimum health protocol on the streets. (PNA)