18 testing facilities designated for Filipino seafarers bound for China

18 testing facilities designated for Filipino seafarers bound for China
November 13, 2020 https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1876722/Manila/Local-News/18-testing-...

AS PART of stricter protocols against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, China has designated 18 testing facilities across the country for Filipino seafarers bound for China.

In an advisory, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) said all Filipino seafarers are required to take nucleic acid tests for Covid-19 three days before their flight.

POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia said the recruitment agencies and employers are required to pay for the tests.

After taking the nucleic acid Covid-19 tests, Filipino seafarers are required to undergo strict quarantine measures before their flight.

In the list provided by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, designated as testing facilities in Metro Manila are the Chinese General Hospital, Philippine Red Cross Logistics and Multipurpose Center, St. Luke's Medical Center - BGC, Hi-Precision (QC), The Lord's Grace Medical and Industrial Clinic and Philippine Airport Diagnostic Laboratory.

The testing facilities in the Visayas are the Allegiant Regional Care Hospital, University of Cebu Medical Center, Prime Care Alpha Covid-19 Testing Laboratory, and Chong Hua Hospital in Cebu; Qualimed Health Network Iloilo in Iloilo; and Bacolod Queen of Mercy Hospital and The Doctors Hospital, Inc. in Negros Occidental.

In Mindanao, Filipino seafarers may go to the Davao One World Diagnostic Center Incorporated in Davao del Sur.

In Luzon, the testing facilities are City of Imus Molecular Laboratory in Cavite; Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center in La Union; Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital in Ilocos Norte; and Parkway Medical and Diagnostic Center in Baguio City.

Olalia said all licensed manning agencies are required to furnish the Chinese Embassy with the test results prior to embarkation. (HDT / SunStar Philippines)