MANILA, Philippines — The lockdown at Camp Aguinaldo will remain in effect until COVID-19 infections are contained, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday.
The lockdown was deemed appropriate after 83 new COVID-19 cases were reported from inside the camp in just five days, according to AFP spokesperson Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo.
Camp Aguinaldo, home to the AFP’s General Headquarters and other important Defense offices, was placed on lockdown on Sunday morning.
“The lockdown of Camp Aguinaldo that took effect 8 o’clock in the morning of 21 March 2021 will be in force until the rise of COVID-19 infection has been contained and the health situation improves,” Arevalo said in a statement.
“For a period of 5 days (17-21Mar), there has been 83 fresh cases of COVID-19 infection in Camp Aguinaldo — prompting AFP Chief to order the lockdown,” he added. “This measure will restrict entry and exit of all AFP personnel and workers in concessionaires workers inside the General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo.”
Arevalo said that the lockdown applies to the families and dependents of military personnel living within the camp. Furthermore, only those with proper authority can leave Camp Aguinaldo, and only those with official transactions will be given entry.
Also, people living within the camp who are essential workers would be allowed to exit, provided that they present their identification cards.
“Military Personnel will be confined inside camp and may leave camp only with proper authority. Relatedly, only those with official transactions inside camp will be allowed to enter. Families and dependents of military personnel residing inside camp are also covered by the lockdown,” Arevalo explained.
“However, operations and delivery of services by military units and offices inside camp will continue unhampered. At least 50% of the workforce will personally man their offices. All civilian personnel, except those who by nature of their job requires personal presence, are to work from home,” he added.
Numbers from the AFP as of March 21 show that 7,342 personnel have contracted COVID-19, 870 of which are nursing active infections. A total of 6,424 have recovered, although 48 others have died.
The Philippines is currently experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, which prompted the government to create a “bubble” that includes the National Capital Region, nearby provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.
On Monday, the Department of Health recorded 8,019 new cases — the highest single-day increase in COVID-19 infections since the pandemic reached the Philippines.
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READ: PH’s new all-time high: 8,019 fresh COVID-19 cases