Regular RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) testing to combat Covid-19 will make the holiday season safer.

As authorities continue to remind compliance with health and safety protocols despite lowering Covid-19 cases and with the threat of the Omicron coronavirus variant, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) pushes for regular testing and vaccination.

“We are at war against Covid-19. We must ensure that you are tested regularly and are fully vaccinated before we go to celebrations with our families,” the PRC reminded through a news release on Sunday.

The country’s leading humanitarian organization has conducted 5,040,454 RT-PCR tests and vaccinated 736,297 through its 25 sites and buses as of the latest data.

The agency also administered more than 83,000 doses during the “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” nationwide inoculation drive from November 29 to December 1.

“Although we have reached the 5-million milestone for Covid-19 testing, we will not stop until we beat the virus. Our vaccination sites and buses will continue providing services,” the PRC added. “We need to test more, we need to trace more, we need to treat more. We need to protect the people.” (PNA)