FIGHT VS. COVID-19 Free consultation, swab test for Bacolod City residents

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The city government offers free consultation and swab test for  residents  with  symptoms  of  coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19)  as part of the continued response to contain local transmission.

Retired Maj. Gen. Melquiades Feliciano, deputy chief implementer of Inter-Agency Task Force-Visayas, on Monday urged Bacolodnons to seek medical attention once they experience even the slightest of symptoms. 

“’Pag ikaw ay may nararamdaman kahit konti lang, madali lang naman. Pumunta ka doon sa BRO (Bacolod Respiratory Outpatient) Center. Consultation is free,” he said.

He noted that some Bacolodnons are probably just scared or embarrassed to admit that they can be tested positive, but some may also just take for granted that they have symptoms.

Feliciano, who supervises the Bacolod City Emergency Operations Center (EOC), said that anyone who visits the BRO Center at the Bacolod Arts, Youth and Sports (BAYS) Center will be assessed by a physician on-duty.

“If your symptoms are Covid-related, automatically you will be (swabbed) for free,” he added.

The BRO Center is open from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, Mondays to Fridays.

Feliciano said that Bacolod residents can call also the EOC, which provides 24/7 over-the-phone consultation service.

“If you experience symptoms, you can call the EOC, they will refer you,” he added.

Those who undergo a swab test will be placed under mandatory quarantine while waiting for the results expected to be released in 24 to 48 hours, he said.

Feliciano, who has always tested negative of Covid-19, reiterated that discipline in following the minimum health protocols is still essential to prevent transmission.

“I learned from my personal experience that we must observe the protocols, which is the most important, to avoid contracting Covid-19,” he said.

As of Monday night, Bacolod has 4,399 confirmed Covid-19 cases, including 3,554 recoveries (80.35%), 755 active cases (17.07%), and 114 deaths (2.58%).*

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