9 policemen assigned in Sitio Zapatera monitored for experiencing ILI

Members of the Cebu City police force. |  file photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Nine policemen who were tasked to help watch over Sitio Zapatera in Barangay Luz here are now being monitored after manifesting signs of influenza-like illness.

These nine policemen, one of whom is an officer, are from the crisis response battalion of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) and were assigned as additional force to Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) personnel.

Police Colonel David Canlas, of the Regional Health Services (RHS), said swab testing was done on Thursday, April 23, 2020, after the nine were observed with ILI.

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“One had fever while the others has colds and cough,” said Canlas.

Canlas said that the nine men were immediately asked to take a rest and are now at the RHS Hospital in Camp Sotero Cabahug along Gorordo Avenue.

Personnel in RHS are closely monitoring the nine policemen, said Canlas.

The result of the swab testing, according to Canlas, will be sent today, April 24.

He said that if the policemen will test positive of COVID-19, they will immediately be isolated at the RHS facilities and contact tracing will also be done.

Meanwhile, Police Colonel  Josefino Ligan, chief of CCPO, said he will be providing electric fans in the areas where the policemen are deployed. He will also allow the wearing their athletic uniform so the policemen won’t feel warm while on duty.

Policemen were also reminded to take their vitamins provided to keep their immune system strong. /bmjo