The local government is now finalizing preparations for the operation of its own Molecular Testing Center for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) as it intensifies measures to address the alarming surge in Covid-19 cases here.

The PHP14-million molecular testing center in Barangay San Roque is at 90 percent complete as of May 3, Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said Wednesday.

Salazar said that in addition to the testing machines donated by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, other equipment has been procured by the city government and is awaiting delivery.

Salazar, city health officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite, and City Engineer Christopher Navarro visited the facility on Monday to check the preparations before it secures the go signal for its full operation.

The mayor said the molecular testing facility is part of the initiative of the City Health Office to boost the test, trace, and treatment strategy in a bid to control Covid-19 transmission.

Miravite said that the city government-owned testing center, once operational, can run 300 tests per day.

Meanwhile, the total confirmed Covid-19 cases in this city since last year stood at 6,909 as of May 4.

Of the total, 4,886 are recoveries, 1,769 are active cases with 254 recorded deaths. (PNA)