MANILA, Philippines — A 42-year-old police sergeant died from COVID-19 a week after experiencing the symptoms, making him the 72nd officer to succumb to the virus.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Gullermo Eleazar said the fatality was from Agusan del Norte.
According to the PNP health service, the officer first felt fatigued and shortness of breath on June 14.
On the following day, he went to a nearby health center for a check-up but was advised to undergo an RT-PCR test first.
On June 16, instead of getting himself tested and then checked, the officer opted for a traditional “tuob” or steam inhalation and hired a massage therapist.
On June 18, he underwent laboratory tests and an RT-PCR test at a hospital. The patient tested positive on June 19 and died at 2 a.m. on June 20 while receiving endotracheal intubation.
Eleazar has conveyed his condolences to the family members of the police personnel and has assured them that all assistance and benefits will be provided.
“Lagi kong pinapaalala sa ating mga pulis na huwag kayong magself- medicate. Kung mayroon kayong nararamdaman na sintomas, maari kayong magpacheck up agad sa ating health care facility, libre naman ito at wala kayong babayaran. Dobleng pag-iingat at pangagalaga sa ating sarili ang kailangan”, Eleazar said.
(I always remind the officers not to self-medicate. If they get any symptoms, they can check in at our hospital. It’s free, and they don’t have to pay for it. But, we need to be extra careful and take extra care of ourselves.)
The newly recorded death has brought the total number of police fatalities to 72, while the number of total cases has reached 26,923 as of June 22.
PNP reported 97 new cases of COVID-19 as well as 123 new recoveries, bringing the total to 25,011.
Meanwhile, health experts earlier reported that as of June 21, the country now has a total of 1,364,239 COVID-19 cases, with 55,847 active cases, 1,284,643 recoveries and 23,749 deaths.
READ: 5,249 new COVID-19 infections drive PH active case count to 55,847
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