The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said there is no policy for VIP (very important person) treatment in the testing of persons under investigation (PUIs) for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

It made the statement in response to issues on expedited testing of selected government officials circulating in the social media.

“All specimens are being processed on first-in, first-out basis. With courtesy accorded to officials holding positions of national security and public health,” the DOH added.

It explained that the criteria for testing of all patients follow published screening protocols as updated on March 16.

The PUIs eligible for testing include elderlies with mild symptoms but with underlying conditions and are immunocompromised; and admitted PUIs in severe and critical condition.

“These are extraordinary times, but we are hopeful that with the arrival of 100,000 testing kits and accreditation of additional sub-national laboratories and dedicated Covid-19 referral hospitals, more cases will be detected and appropriately managed,” the DOH said. (PNA)