Quezon City offers free COVID-19 tests for actress’ pantry patrons

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government is offering free COVID-19 tests for residents who flocked to the community pantry set up by actress Angel Locsin to mark her birthday on Friday.

Dr. Rolando Cruz, the city’s chief epidemiologist, urged residents who have shown COVID-19 symptoms such as flu and cough after going to the pantry at the Titanium Building in Barangay Holy Spirit to have themselves tested for the virus.

“We cannot discount the possibility that there might have been contagion because of the large crowd during the event. It’s better to be sure that we would not transmit the virus to our families,” Cruz said.

Interested residents may book an appointment online at http://bit.ly/QCfreetest or call the city’s contact tracing hotlines 8703-2759, 8703-4398, 0916-122-8628, 0908-639-8086 and 0931-095-7737.

Cruz also asked Locsin’s camp to coordinate with the local government if there were people who need to be tested for COVID-19.

Rolando de la Cruz, 67, collapsed as he waited his turn among thousands of people who lined up for food aid at the community pantry. He died before reaching the hospital.

“Our office will remain open for support from Angel Locsin, considering the effort and cost of doing testing and contact tracing of those who participated in the community pantry. We hope to be furnished with any information that could aid us in identifying, testing and isolating suspected COVID-19 cases,” he said.