3 more cops contract COVID-19; coronavirus cases in PNP now at 77

MANILA, Philippines — Three more police officers have tested positive for the coronavirus disease(COVID-19),  bringing the total number of infected at the Philippine National Police (PNP) to 77.

“As of last night, meron na kaming (we now have) 77 but 12 have recovered,” PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa told dzMM on Wednesday when asked about the update of coronavirus disease cases in the police force.

On Tuesday afternoon, the PNP recorded 74 police officers are positive for COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Gamboa said the number of COVID-19 death in the PNP remains at three while the number of recoveries remains at 12.

The PNP chief said they are also looking into the possibility of the national police having its own reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing facility to test frontline officers for COVID-19.

“Nageexert kami ng effort to come up with a RT/PCR facility. Hopefully, kung maaccredit uli maasahan ng kapulisan na meron tayong sariling testing center,” he said.

(We are exerting efforts to come up with a RT/PCR facility. Hopefully if we get accredited, our policemen can expect to have our own testing center.)

/MUF