DOTr boosts testing capacity in NAIA as OFWs return for the holidays

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has boosted its One-Stop-Shop as more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) return home for the holidays.
DOTr’s Office for the Transportation Security (OTS) Administrator Usec. Raul Del Rosario said this is to prevent the previous inconvenience caused by delayed COVID-19 test results.
Based on the OTS data, an estimated 5,000 OFWs arrive in the Philippines every day during the holidays.
Del Rosario also said additional Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel were deployed.
The One-Stop-Shop partnered with four COVID-testing laboratories to accommodate more OFWs.
“Nagkaroon kami ng commitment among these laboratories, nag-commit sila na 24 hours ilalabas nila ang result at walang lalagpas ng 48 hours (We had a commitment among these laboratories. They committed to release the results in 24 hours and not exceeding 48 hours),” he said.
The One-Stop-Shop can process 10,000 swab tests per day, Del Rosario added.
Aside from the laboratories, there are also 21,000 slots available in hotels where OFWs can stay while waiting for their COVID-19 test results. -AAC (with reports from Joan Nano)