The Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded a decrease in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases as more police personnel are getting vaccinated.
PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said only 45 new infections were recorded on Wednesday, a significant drop from an average of 50 to 100 daily new cases in the past days.
This brought the total number of active cases to 1,192 out of a total of 29,476 new infections.
Meanwhile, another 103 police personnel recovered, raising the police force’s recovery count to 28,205.
“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 (We are already seeing the effect of vaccinating ourselves against Covid-19. In the recent days, fewer police officers are contracting the virus because most of us are already protected by the vaccine),” Eleazar said.
The latest data from the PNP showed 31.30 percent or 68,372 out of a total of 218,442 police personnel received their first dose while 22,938 are now fully vaccinated.
He said aggressive information dissemination on vaccination has been proven effective as more than 93 percent of PNP personnel are now willing to be vaccinated.
Meanwhile, another police officer died of Covid-19, bringing the total of deaths to 79.
“I would like to give our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of our latest Covid-19 fatality, a 51-year old policeman assigned in Cotabato City,” Eleazar said.
Based on the report from the Health Service, the cop was tested positive for Covid-19 last July 9. He was then admitted to a nearby hospital for further examination.
On July 18, he was declared dead by his attending physician due to pneumonia.
The deceased police officer has also underlying conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, intestinal parasitism, and hyperthyroidism, the PNP Health Service said.
The PNP leadership has urged all personnel to avail of Covid-19 vaccines rolled out by the PNP and local government units.
In a July 20 memorandum, Lt. Gen. Dionardo B Carlos, the Chief of Directorial Staff, directed all PNP unit commanders, heads of offices and personnel to observe the minimum public health protocols at all times while on duty and at home; boost the immune system by taking vitamins and performing regular exercise, and refrain from self-medication 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 masks, face shields, disinfectants; and to maintain physical distancing at all times.
Earlier, Eleazar ordered the PNP Administrative Support for Covid-19 Task Force (ASCOTF) to prepare for worst-case scenarios following the confirmation of cases of the more transmissible Covid-19 Delta variant.
He specifically tasked deputy chief for administration, Lt. Gen. Joselito Vera Cruz to prepare all necessary medical equipment and supplies for policemen.
Source: Philippines News Agency
