The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said 313 of their personnel tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) recently, a marked increase from the 54 cases recorded in late June.
The infected employees, said the PCG, were among those deployed in strategic areas to assist returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) and their families; locally stranded individuals (LSIs); fellow frontline workers; as well as maritime stakeholders including fishermen, ship crew, and cargo truck drivers.
Vice Admiral George Ursabia, Coast Guard commandant, assured the public all infected personnel were immediately pulled-out from their stations and provided with medical assistance.
“Of the 313 affected personnel, 83 already tested negative for COVID-19 based on their latest swab test results," Ursabia noted.
"We are blessed enough that the majority of our infected frontline workers are asymptomatic. Nevertheless, we are regularly checking their health condition to ensure that they recuperate well. We are asking for prayers so they may regain their full health and return to service in the soonest possible time,” he added.
The PCG regularly conducts RT-PCR tests among its frontline workers, on top of them being also provided PPE sets, sufficient supply of vitamins and other medical supplies.
They also allow personnel adequate rest periods and work breaks, as well as debriefing sessions meant to sustain their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.