CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City - The number of police personnel in the Caraga region who have been infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has reached five.
While one of the infected police personnel has now fully recovered and only awaiting official discharge from the Department of Health (DOH), four other personnel are still under strict quarantine in their respective areas, said regional police spokesperson Maj. Renel E. Serrano.
As of September 9, the Philippine National Police (PNP) PNP Health Service 13 has monitored 39 PNP personnel, who have tested positive for the virus using the rapid test, and were waiting for the results of the confirmatory swab tests on them, he said.
“All those who tested positive in the rapid test have been placed under strict quarantine and monitoring while waiting the results,” the region’s police spokesperson said.
Most of the infected cops went on duty manning the quarantine control points in various parts in the region.
“We always remind all our personnel to strictly adhere to preventive measures and health protocols, to protect themselves and also their families,” added PRO 13- Regional Public Information Office (RPIO) chief Maj. Serrano.
Meanwhile, the regional headquarters of PRO 13 based here has imposed strict measures like the mandatory wearing of face shield and face mask inside the regional camp.
“Our cops are more prone to COVID-19 infection especially those deployed to the quarantine control points,” PRO 13 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr. said.
“Putting their lives at risk is a selfless sacrifice for our people who shall help us in return by staying at home and following maximum security measures,” the region’s police chief stressed out in his statement.