Another cop dies of Covid-19

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan, PNA, 1 Aug 2020

MANILA – Another police officer succumbed to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), bringing the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) death toll from the disease to 11.

In a statement released on Saturday, the PNP said the latest fatality is a 49-year-old police non-commissioned officer assigned at the Northern Police District, who passed away on July 24.

As of Friday night, the number of Covid-19 infections among police ranks has reached 2,151 as the PNP Health Service reported 42 new confirmed cases.

Meanwhile, a total of 823 personnel have recovered from the disease.

The health service is also monitoring 850 probable cases and 2,521 suspected cases.

Earlier, PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, said the majority of the cops who have contracted the disease were asymptomatic.

Banac said cops tested for Covid-19 would observe a 14-day quarantine and undergo another test.

Once cleared, they have to rest for seven to 10 more days before going back to duty, he added.

PNP Chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, earlier said the PNP’s second Covid-19 testing laboratory in Camp Crame is expected to boost its testing capacity for police front-liners.

In May, the PNP opened its first Covid-19 testing facility, which can conduct up to 150 tests per day.

Gamboa, meanwhile, expressed hope that the PNP’s Covid-19 testing laboratories for police officers in the cities of Cebu and Davao would become operational before he retires on September 2. (PNA)