Thirty-nine more policemen were tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing to 179 the total number of cops infected by the virus while performing their duty as frontliners in the fight against the coronacirus disease (COVID-19).
Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said that based on the latest data, a total of 57 of the infected policemen were able to recover while four had died during the treatment process.
“Currently, we 118 active cases are undergoing supportive healthcare by PNP doctors,” said Banac.
Banac said the remaining 118 active cases are now undergoing strict observation and medical attention, of which 91 patients are in quarantine facilities, six are admitted to hospitals, while 21 personnel are home quarantined with continuous support and observation.
Policemen are currently in the frontline implementing the rules on wearing face masks, physical distancing and unnecessary travels by manning checkpoints and conducting police visibility.
Aside from those who were infected, there were a total of 638 PNP personnel categorized as Probable Persons Under Investigation (Probable PUIs) while a total 390 personnel were recommended as Suspected Persons Under Investigation (Suspected PUIs).
At present, Banac said a total of 1,681 PNP personnel, composed of 805 Probable PUIs, 863 Suspected PUIs, and 13 confirmed positive patients have completed self or home quarantine under strict monitoring and medical observation as of May 13. (Aaron Recuenco)