Quirino Grandstand drive-thru COVID-19 testing facility draws long line of vehicles

Motorists formed a long line at the drive-thru COVID-19 testing facility at Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park in Manila before dawn on Monday, hours before its operations were to start.

The queue, which started at 3 a.m., snaked toward Roxas Boulevard near Manila Hotel, according to a report by Jonathan Andal on GMA News' Unang Balita.

Motorists said they will patiently wait in line for their turn to get tested, as the test is offered free by the city government to Manila residents and even those not residents of Manila.

A rapid test for COVID-19 may cost at least P1,500 in a private laboratory, one motorist said.

Another one said the COVID-19 test is required for his job.

Authorities said as of 6:45 a.m., 500 vehicles were already in line. They will have an early cutoff of 600 vehicles on Monday.

The drive-thru facility at Quirino Grandstand, which was opened last Saturday, is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It is capable of conducting 700 rapid tests daily to be done by the Manila Health Office.

Results will be available after 24 hours. For residents of Manila, the government will deliver the results to their homes. Non-residents of Manila, meanwhile, will have to claim their test results at the drive-thru facility.

Those who will have testing will have to present a valid ID before the rapid test via blood extraction can be conducted.

The city government reminded the public that the facility is drive-thru and is open only to two-, three-, and four-wheeled vehicles.

The Manila Police District checks each vehicle to ensure it is not crowded. Only four people will be allowed per sedan, six per SUV, two per tricycle. No back-riding on motorcycles is allowed, even with a barrier.

No testing will also be done for people walking in on foot.

The city government said individuals without vehicles can instead go to the walk-in COVID-19 testing facility at the Ospital ng Sampaloc which will be opened on Monday. Testing there will also be free for Manila residents and non-Manila residents alike. 

On Wednesday, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuña graced the opening of the city's first drive-thru COVID-19 testing facility in front of the Andres Bonifacio Shrine near the City Hall.

Moreno on Monday said more than 1,500 individuals have been tested in the city's drive-thru testing for COVID-19. —KG, GMA News