4 Cordova policemen positive in rapid test

CEBU, Philippines —  Four of the 25 personnel of the Cordova Police Station are now waiting for the result of their swab testing, after they had tested positive for Coronavirus Disease (COVID)-19 during their rapid testing.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Jan Ace Layug, Cordova Police Station Chief, said they have conducted the rapid testing last Monday.

“Out of 25 personnel and three NUPs, upat ang nag-positive sa rapid test. Pero kay rapid test pa man, ma-consider pa sya as probable case,” Layug told reporters.

The four had their swab testing yesterday.

“Nagpaabot napud mi sa result pud.  But as of now, isolated na sila,” said Layug.

They have been isolated inside an area of the Cordova Police Station. The rest of the personnel who tested negative are now just waiting for the advice and go signal of the health authorities to go back to their respective posts.

Psychological health

Meanwhile, the psychological health of the cops who tested positive for COVID-19 were also being looked after, following the suicide incident involving a COVID-19 patient at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC).

Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 Director Albert Ignatius Ferro said they always see to it that they were able to check on the personnel who tested positive.

“I see to it na akong maestorya sila once in a while para to check on their condition and assured them na dili sila biyaan.  Nobody will be left behind,” Ferro said.

He added that since the beginning they have initiated a psychological intervention that includes the help from their chaplain and PNP Regional Health Services’ psychologists.

At present, 21 police personnel have recovered from the virus.  This left with only 37 active cases now among PRO-7 personnel.

Ferro is also set to coordinate with the hospitals for the possible provision of security to prevent the suicide incident at VSMMC from happening again among COVID-19 patients.

“Even if it is beyond our mandate, we will coordinate with the different hospitals, health offices for the prevention of that incident,” Ferro said.  GAN (FREEMAN)