Lapu police chief back at work after beating COVID-19

Police Colonel Arnel Banzon, LCPO director is back at work after being infected with COVID-19 early this month. CDN Digital photo | Futch Anthony Inso

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines – Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) director Police Colonel Arnel Banzon has returned to his work on Monday, February 22, 2021, or 18 days after he tested positive for COVID-19.

On February 4, 2021, Banzon tested positive for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), after he underwent rapid testing during the command conference at the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7.

On the same day, Banzon was also swabbed test and got a positive result the following day, February 5, 2021.

Banzon said that he was then isolated at their isolation facility in Sudlon, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City. But after a week, he was transferred to a private hospital in Lapu-Lapu, after he manifested symptoms of the virus.

“Symptomatic ko, actually naka-develop ko ug pneumonia. Mao to medyo naluya gyud ta,” Banzon said, adding that after he was tested during the conference, he also experienced a fever.

He added that on Friday, February 19, 2021, he already tested negative in the RT-PCR test and was discharged from the hospital on Sunday, February 21, 2021.

“Bisan ug mag-amping ka, pero duna gyuy times nga makalimot ka nga somewhere along the way duna gyuy makalusot gyud. Bisan mag-amping ka, maigo gyud ka, so it’s everybody’s business gyud,” he added.

Banzon said that everyone should cooperate in complying with the health and safety protocols, such as the wearing of a face mask, face shield, and the observance of social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus.

He added that they will also implement additional measures such as disinfecting their documents and the wearing of gloves to prevent them from being infected. /rcg