PNP readies hospital isolation rooms for possible Ebola cases

MANILA, Philippines - Isolation rooms are being readied in the Philippine National Police General Hospital in Camp Crame for any possible case of Ebola infection of returning Filipino peacekeepers.

Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP public information   director, said they are coordinating with the Department of Health (DOH) for preemptive actions like post-arrival medical examinations.

Chief Inspector Raymond Santos, PNP General Hospital emergency services department chief, said they are finishing preparations of the isolation rooms.

The PNP said police officers detailed as peacekeepers in Liberia remain uninfected with Ebola virus.

“Measures are in place to ensure that they are Ebola-free,” the PNP said.

Liberia is one of the countries in West Africa seriously affected by the Ebola virus outbreak.

Thirty Filipino police officers are serving as United Nations peacekeepers in Liberia.

They are due to return home after finishing their tour of duty next month.

The PNP requires periodic medical updates from Liberia to monitor the peacekeepers’ health.

Filipino peacekeepers are advised to avoid direct physical contact with infected or deceased persons.

They were also told to wash their hands frequently with soap and water and take other basic precautionary measures.