Finding a COVID-19 Testing Center near you is made easier with Google Maps.
With the entire country still under different levels of community quarantine to stop the spread of the disease, it is crucial for citizens to know the nearest COVID-19 testing laboratory in case they develop symptoms or suspect exposure.
As the Department of Health (DOH) grows the list of certified COVID-19 laboratories in the country, Google has added the new testing centers on Maps so Filipinos can find more sites near them as they search on the platform.
The Health Department announced on August 7, 2020, that there are now a total of 100 licensed testing laboratories throughout the Philippines who are eligible to conduct RT-PCR testing for the diagnosis of COVID-19.
The milestone 100th laboratory facility is Chong Hua Hospital, in Cebu City. The addition of Chong Hua Hospital to the roster of licensed testing laboratories is a milestone in terms of the country’s testing capacity, a step-up from the 28 testing centers accredited in May.
Initially needing to send swab samples to the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory in Melbourne, Australia for COVID-19 confirmation in February, the Philippines now boasts the highest testing capacity among countries in the Southeast Asia region, even topping richer neighboring countries such as Japan and Singapore.
The Philippines’ national testing capacity is also expected to be further boosted with 87 laboratories undergoing the DOH’s licensing process, and in the pipeline to be licensed within the next months.
“As we continue to navigate the uncertainties of the pandemic, we strive to find more ways on how our technology can play a role in the fight against COVID-19.
“Every day, Filipinos use Google Maps to find out more about the locations that matter to them and we hope that we can help by constantly updating our platforms with real-time locally relevant and credible information,” said Google Philippines Country Director Bernadette Nacario.
To access the list of DOH-certified testing laboratories or hospitals using Google Maps, simply type in “covid testing” on Google Search or Maps.
Considering that certain hospitals may not be able to accommodate patients, it is recommended to refer to the Screening Tool posted on the DOH COVID-19 website and to call the COVID-19 hotline (02-894-COVID / 02-89426843) before going to the facility. People may also check the DOH COVID-19 website for the latest information.
Google Maps also helps health workers catch free rides to hospitals while public transportation is suspended in quarantined areas.
SEND CHEERS in the comments below to the Google Maps team for making it easier for people to find COVID-19 Testing Centers.
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