Being COVID-19 positive not a death sentence –EPD's Almazan

Testing positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was not a death sentence, the director of the Eastern Police District said Friday.

Police Brigadier General Johnson Almazan issued the comment after 28 police officers tested positive for the virus this week, according to Mariz Umali's report on "24 Oras."

"Huwag silang ma-low morale. Ang dami ng naka-survive. Positive thinking, live healthily. It's not a death sentence. You pray to God," Almazan said.

Though his first swab test came out negative, Almazan was advised to home quarantine as his security detail, driver, and motorcycle escort were among those who tested positive for the virus.

"Maraming exposure eh, ini-inspect namin 'yung mga QCPS 'di ba? They are with me every time I move around inspecting 'yung situation sa ground. Hindi natin masabi, they could have contracted the virus elsewhere kasi hindi naman kami magkakasama," he said.

A total of 203 out of the EPD's 322 police officers have taken the COVID-19 test.

All positive officers have been moved to the quarantine facility of the National Capital Region Police Office.

Meanwhile, the EPD headquarters was closed since Wednesday for disinfection procedures. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News