Delivery of goods stopped at naval base in Lapu-Lapu due to COVID-19 lockdown

CEBU CITY –– The delivery of supplies and other goods from the Naval Forces Central (Navforcen) at the Rafael Ramos Naval Base in Lapu-Lapu City has been halted until July 18 after the entire camp was placed under lockdown.

Lieutenant Commander Neil Rafael Ybera, public affairs officer of Navforcen, said the camp has imposed “strict quarantine guidelines” after some members of their frontline units exhibited symptoms of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) last July 4.

No one was allowed to enter or leave the camp for 14 days or until July 18. Ybera said all operations coming from the Rafael Ramos Naval Base were also temporarily suspended, including the delivery of food and medical supplies related to COVID-19.

The two teams from Navforcen that were assigned at the Lapu-Lapu City police would continue to operate as they have already been deployed before the lockdown. They will also be tested for the virus in the coming days.

Ybera said at least 77 staff members tested positive for COVID-19. They were already isolated at a designated area inside the naval base.

After July 18, Ybera said they would again test their personnel and get clearance from the Department Health before they reopen the naval base.

The entire island of Cebu has registered 12,005 COVID-19 cases as of July 12.

Most of the infections were in Cebu City with 7,439.

In Lapu-Lapu City, where the Rafael Ramos Naval Base is located, the COVID-19 cases have reached 1,251, of which 59 were new.

LZB