6 more cops positive but 17 now negative for COVID-19

CEBU, Philippines —  Six more policemen in Cebu City tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while 17 others tested negative in their second swab, Police Regional Office-7 Director Brigadier General Albert Ignatius Ferro said yesterday.

Ferro, in a press briefing, declined to provide details about the identities of the six policemen in deference to the latter’s request for anonymity.

However, he said that they have been isolated in an isolation center near the downtown area and will remain there for the next 14 days. After, they will undergo another swab test.

Ferro said all six are asymptomatic or not showing signs of the virus except for one who had fever but is now recovering.

He added that prior to the testing, these cops were already isolated.

The PRO-7 chief earlier explained that cops in the city remain at risk of the virus because of their continued operations against illegal drug activities. Others also contracted the virus because of transmission from persons under police custody.

Meanwhile, out of 35 police personnel previously reported to be positive for COVID-19, 17 are now laboratory negative.

These 35 cops were isolated in the Makatao Malasakit Recovery Center of the PRO-7 in Barangay Taptap, Cebu City.

Ferro said they are set to undergo their third swab testing. Should these cops test negative again, they will be considered recovered and will be deployed back to their designated posts.

“They are at our recovery center. Hopefully additional 10 (policemen) will be having their result as well. Atong i-continue ilang therapy, ang ilang recovery process,” Ferro said. JMD (FREEMAN)