313 PCG frontliners infected with COVID-19

July 16, 2020

Hundreds of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) frontline personnel were tested positive for the coronavirus disease ( COVID-19), its spokesman said on Thursday.

Commodore Armando Balilo said a total of 313 of their frontline personnel were infected.

"As of today, the PCG has reported a total of 313 COVID-19 positive among its frontline workers. These personnel are deployed in strategic areas to uphold the health and safety of returning overseas Filipinos and their families, locally stranded individuals (LSIs), fellow frontline workers, as well as maritime stakeholders including fishermen, ship crew, and cargo truck drivers," he said.

PCG Commandant Vice Admiral George Ursabia Jr said 83 PCG personnel have recovered.

"Of the 313 affected personnel, 83 of them already tested negative for COVID-19 based on their latest swab test results," he said.

"We are blessed enough that majority of our infected frontline workers are asymptomatic. Nevertheless, we are regularly checking their health condition to ensure that they recuperate well. We are asking for prayers so they may regain their full health and return to service in the soonest possible time,” he added.

Balilo said with the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in PCG, Ursabia has directed the PCG Task Force Bayanihan returning overseas Filipinos to ensure that  infected personnel are pulled-out from their stations and provided with medical assistance and other resource support for their speedy recovery.

"The PCG Task Force Bayanihan returning overseas Filipinos is at the frontline of public service amid the ongoing pandemic. More than a hundred PCG medical personnel under the Task Force are deployed to administer swab tests among returning overseas Filipinos at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Palacio de Maynila Testing Center," he said.

"The Task Force also formed medical teams that provide mobile testing services to quarantine hotels with untested returning overseas Filipinos and to government agencies who are providing frontline services to the general public, while managing the full operations of the Eva Macapagal Quarantine Facility and the Philippine Arena Quarantine Facility that accommodate a total of 105 returning overseas Filipinos as of 15 July 2020," he added.

Balilo said "several PCG personnel are also dispatched in approximately 30 quarantine hotels in Metro Manila to ensure the security of hundreds of returning overseas Filipinos who are serving their mandatory quarantine while waiting for their RT-PCR test results."

"There are also PCG frontline personnel working 24/7 in various seaports and waterways across the country to conduct health screening and safety protocols to fishermen, ship crew, and cargo truck drivers," he said.

Balilo said amid the development the PCG has intensified the promotion of personnel welfare to control the rise of COVID-19 positives among its personnel.

"Given these vast responsibilities amid COVID-19 pandemic, the Command recognizes the need to further protect its personnel against the threat of the contagious virus," he said.

"Hence, the Command regularly conducts RT-PCR tests among its frontline workers, on top of the sufficient supply of vitamins, PPE sets, and medical supplies for everyday use," Balilo said.

"More importantly, they are provided with rest periods and work breaks, as well as debriefing sessions to sustain their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health while protecting the Filipino people against COVID-19," he added. Robina Asido/DMS