80th COVID-19 fatality in PNP
ANOTHER policeman died after contracting COVID-19 making him the 80th member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to succumb after being afflicted by the killer virus since March last year, the Journal Group learned on Friday.
The PNP Health Service (HS) also reported 84 new cases bringing to 29,619 the total number of PNP personnel who have contracted the virus since last year. PNP medical staff are also monitoring a total of 1,120 “active cases” as of press time.
However, 117 new recoveries were recorded by the PNP-HS on the same day bringing to a total of 28,419 the number of police personnel who have already fully recovered from the disease and are now back to full duty status.
PNP chief General Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar however said they have noted a decreasing trend of virus infection among its personnel vis-à-vis an increase in the number of those who have fully recovered from the disease.
“Nakikita na natin ang epekto ng pagbabakuna sa ating sarili kontra sa COVID-19. Sa mga nakalipas na araw, pababa ng pababa ang mga pulis na nagkakaroon ng naturang virus dahil karamihan sa atin ay protektado na ng bakuna,” the PNP chief said.
The PNP has given the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to 68,372 or 31.30 percent of PNP personnel while 22,938 are now fully vaccinated, Eleazar said.
At the same time, he urged all PNP personnel to avail of COVID-19 vaccines rolled out by the PNP and some local government units.
In a Memorandum issued on Monday, Chief Directorial Staff Lieutenant Gen. Dionardo B. Carlos directed all PNP unit commanders and heads of offices to “encourage all personnel to take/avail of vaccines that are being rolled-out by the PNP Health Service and Local Government Units.”
The same memorandum also reminded all personnel to observe the minimum public health standard protocols at all times while on duty and at home; boost immune system by taking vitamins and perform regular exercise; and not to self-medicate and immediately seek medical attention upon experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
The memorandum also reiterated earlier guidance to strictly observe the proper use of face mask, face shield, disinfectants; and to maintain physical distancing at all times.
