MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday activated a task force that will respond to the rising cases of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), said agency spokesperson Commo. Armando Balilo.
Nurses and medical technologists led by Captain Eric Steven Guieb of the PCG- Medical Service will be part of 100 seven-man team under the PCG Task Force Laban Coronavirus.
Guieb will train the 700 members of the task force and coordinate their deployment to medical facilities that will need their assistance.
They will be provided with hazardous material suit, goggles and gloves. They will also be equipped with thermal scanners, masks and alcohol to implement precautionary measures against the contagious virus.
PCG ships and other floating assets will be dispatched for possible medical evacuation.
COVID-19 cases in the Philippines jumped to 33 as of Tuesday. The country was also placed under a state of public health emergency.