82 QC cops test positive for COVID-19

(FILE) Quezon City policemen receive their new motorcycles and bulletproof vests during a turnover ceremony
at Camp Karingal. —GRIG C.MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — At least 82 police officers from a police station and two community precincts in Quezon City have tested positive for COVID-19, the Quezon City government announced Wednesday.

Of the 161 Quezon City policemen who were tested for COVID-19 last Friday, 82 were found positive, while 79 tested negative.

The 82 personnel who tested positive are assigned to the Police Station 3 (Talipapa), Police Community Precinct 1 (Unang Sigaw), and to Police Community Precinct 2 (Bahay Toro), said City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit chief Dr. Rolando Cruz.

All positive cases were asymptomatic and have been fully vaccinated.

Of the police officers who tested positive, 48 are now staying at the city’s various quarantine facilities. The 34 others will be admitted today, said Cruz.

An investigation is now ongoing to determine if the enforcement of granular lockdowns will be necessary, as the source of the infection has yet to be identified.

The Quezon City Police District is finding out if any of the infected police personnel were deployed to secure the State of the Nation Address last Monday.

Police Station 3 will remain operational to receive complaints and reports in an outdoor reception area. Visitations of detainees are currently prohibited, said the station’s commander Lt. Col. Cristine Tabdi.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte appealed to the public, especially those living in the communities near the affected areas, not to panic.

“The city government is prepared to contain the spread of the virus. Our CESU has the capability to deal with this situation,” she said.

/MUF