The past week saw the establishment of record-breaking numbers of new COVID-19 cases, the latest of which was established today with 8,773 new ones, another all-time high.
As the country faces this latest surge of COVID-19 cases, the government continues to reiterate the importance of strictly observing the minimum public health standards.
An important thing is to keep one tested regularly for the safety of the individual and the people around him or her.
This is why SM Supermalls partnered with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to open more drive-thru collection sites to provide people with an accessible, faster and non-invasive COVID-19 test to stay protected despite the raging pandemic.
“Aside from providing essentials during these times, SM aims to help keep shoppers safe and healthy. With the alarming increase of COVID-19 cases, we wanted to provide a convenient and easily accessible way for the community to get tested,” said SM Supermalls president Steven Tan.
Apart from SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia, the first two collection sites to open saliva RT-PCR test collection sites, head to the other drive-thru collection sites located in SM City Fairview, SM Southmall, SM City Puerto Princesa and SM City Cebu.
More sites will also be available in other local government units in the near future.
These locations will only serve as specimen collection sites for the saliva RT-PCR test, and the samples to be collected will be forwarded to the PRC laboratories for testing. Those who will undergo testing should not eat, drink or smoke for 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment.
The Saliva RT-PCR test has a 98.11-percent accuracy rate. It is also PCR-based, considered the gold standard testing for COVID-19 approved by the Department of Health and was thoroughly studied and researched by the University of Illinois and the University of the Philippines.
To book a saliva test, visit https://book.redcross.org.ph/index.php/book-a-saliva-test/.
For more information, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms.
MAIN PHOTO: Drive-thru collection site at SM Mall of Asia