Antigen self-test users decreasing

Individuals seeking antigen self-tests is decreasing every week, it was disclosed by Baguio City Health Services Office (CHSO) head Dr. Rowena Galpo during the recent management committee (mancomm) meeting.  

In Feb. 7 to 11, there were 67 antigen self-tests given out, with a 1.49% positivity, due to only one positive result.

Earlier, on Jan. 31 to Feb. 4; 99 self-tests were bought, with 12 doing self-swab, 85 having their swab on site, while 2 did not return their kits. Ten individuals had positive results from the 97 tests, thus a positivity rate of 10.3 percent. 

On Jan. 24 to 28, 175 test kits were given out with 119 done onsite by health workers, 23 self-swabbed while 33 did not submit the test kits. Of the 142 swabs, 48 or (33.8%) had positive results.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong during the mancomm meeting said that the decrease in demands for self-testing for three weeks, shows less symptomatic individuals needing tests and thus a decrease in Covid-19 cases. 

It was however emphasized that the self-test kits should not be self-serving, not for repeat tests, and not for a back-to-work situation. The kits are prioritized for symptomatic individuals and close contacts of Covid-19 patients.

The self-test was piloted with a private company partner, in several health districts; Asin, City Camp Central, Pacdal, Dontogan, Loakan-Apukan, Irisan, Bakakeng Central, and Pinsao Proper. – Julie G. Fianza