PNP to have rotating shifts for cops at checkpoints to prevent ‘quarantine fatigue’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be implementing shift rotations for police officers manning checkpoints to prevent “quarantine burnout” as they enforce lockdown rules.

“…Ang ginawa ni (Philippine National Police) chief (Gen. Archie) Gamboa e yung proper rotation of personnel para makaiwas sa quarantine fatigue,” Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, chief of Joint Task Force COVID Shield, said over dzBB on Wednesday.

(PNP Chief Gamboa implemented a proper rotation of personnel to prevent quarantine fatigue.)

At present, police officers during the general community quarantine (GCQ) are manning modified checkpoints to check if vehicles are carrying authorized persons outside of residences. But if there is traffic build-up, they can stop the inspection and allow the vehicles to pass. The checkpoints were adjusted following the enforcement of the less strict GCQ.

Meanwhile, Eleazar has reminded the public to continue following health protocols during GCQ such as the washing of hands, wearing face masks, and physical distancing, among others.

“Base sa obserbasyon natin,  habang tumatagal nga, nakikita natin na may mga report na nagkukumpol-kumpulan, nag-i-inuman. While it is true ayaw natin pumunta dun pero ngayon palang mapaalalahanan na,” Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, chief of Joint Task Force COVID Shield, said over dzBB.

(Based on our observation, even while there is quarantine, we have reports of mass gatherings and drinking in public places. While it is true we don’t want to go to that point, we are already reminding them.)

“Nakita natin at nabasa sa nangyari sa ibang bansa itong quarantine burnout o fatigue at ayaw natin ito ay mangyari sa publiko,” he added.

(We have read from reports in other countries about this quarantine burnout or fatigue and we don’t want this to happen to the public.)

/MUF