Bohol gov’t slashes cost of COVID-19 swab tests for returning residents

FILE Swab test AFP via The Straits Times/Asia News Network

TAGBILARAN CITY — Boholanons who are returning home can avail of the discounted COVID-19 swab test, the provincial government announced on Friday.

From P3,500, returning residents can pay P1,800 for every reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test at the New World Diagnostics (NWD).

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Returning Boholanons earlier complained of the steep prices for swab test results.

Maricel Gulay, 39, said she wanted to go home to Duero town but the swab tests could cost a family of four returning about P14,000.

Bohol, a tourist destination, requires a negative RT-PCR and saliva test results.

“The cost of PCR testing is a barrier, especially for families who want to travel together,” Gulay said.

“We are all affected by the pandemic but the cost of the PCR test further disrupts us,” she added.

To avail of NWDs P1,800 test, travelers must present a valid ID and an airplane ticket to Bohol (for all passengers bound for Bohol); valid ID with proof of Bohol residence (Boholanos who need RT-PCR test); valid ID with proof of Bohol residence and airplane ticket (Boholanos for domestic and international travel).

EDV

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