7 more UP Diliman frontliners test positive for COVID-19, total now at 14

Seven more frontliners from the Kanlungang Palma and the University of the Philippines Health Service (UPHS) on Thursday tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), bringing the total to 14.

According to the UP Diliman COVID-19 bulletin, the asymptomatic cases have been isolated within the Kanlungang Palma and the UPHS while authorities are conducting contact tracing.

"The two facilities are now implementing stricter infection control measures. All other UP Diliman offices do not have direct contact with these facilities," the bulletin said.

Despite this, UPD maintained that it will continue accepting emergency concerns and telemedicine while Kanlungang Palma will continue with its swabbing.

"We appeal to all UPD employees and residents for calm and understanding. Rest assured that UPHS and Kanlungang Palma are doing its best to contain COVID-19 and stricter measures have been taken to prevent it from spreading any further," it said.

It also advised the public to wear face masks at all times as well as to follow physical distancing measures and proper hand hygiene.

The university announced its first batch of COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. — Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News