MANILA, Philippines – Cognizant of the importance of widespread testing, Watsons, the Filipino’s trusted health and wellness partner, now offers FDA-certified COVID-19 antigen test kits (with a price range of Php399-Php500) in all its stores nationwide, starting October 25.
Watsons prompts its customers that these testing kits should be administered only by medical professionals—such as doctors, nurses, and medical technologists—and will require medical prescription. The required specifications set by the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) are at 80% sensitivity and 97% specificity and Watson’s test kits can deliver at least 95% sensitivity, and 99.2% specificity.
“As more people head out to work, school, and gatherings, Watsons knows that antigen test kits are important in helping reduce transmission,” said Maita A. Santiago, Watsons Philippines Customer Director.
With NCR and the and some areas in the Philippines now under Alert Level 4, outdoor exercises, and intrazonal and interzonal travel has been allowed. Government agencies are fully operational while restaurants employ their al fresco dining areas as more people go out to dine. Barbershops, spas, gyms, and even religious gatherings are allowed to operate at 30% capacity, with the assurance that workers of these establishments and services, including religious ministers have completed their vaccination.
With the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) slowly easing the Covid restrictions, having antigen testing available at Watsons means more people will have access to affordable and effective testing options, which can result in fewer transmissions. The antigen test kits use saliva as the indicator for the presence of the virus and results can be seen in 30 minutes or less.
“Watsons is taking a proactive role as the Philippines continues to fight this pandemic. Tools such as antigen testing kits help provide important information and serve as a guide so the public will know what steps to take,” Santiago added.
To know more about these testing kits and for counseling, you can ask your Watsons pharmacist. You can also download the Watsons app at https://bit.ly/WatsonsMobileApp and shop for your vitamins and medicines.