Army's CBRN unit activated to combat COVID-19

The Philippine Army's Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) unit has been activated to counter the further spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

According to Chino Gaston's Tuesday report on 24 Oras, the CBRN unit is currently being used to help disinfect the surroundings and materials.

"We have set aside a building. May mga kama na roon in case talagang maramihan 'yung ating imo-monitor. Our hospitals may mga isolation rooms din diyan and we have on standby medical teams 24/7," Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay said.

All vehicles and equipment used by those on-duty at checkpoints are thoroughly disinfected such as vehicles, guns, uniforms, and backpacks.

Meanwhile, other army facilities have been prepared to accept COVID-19 patients, should hospitals run out of capacity.

Army official COVID-19 positive

According to the report, an army senior official with travel history to the Middle East and his wife have tested positive for the virus.

Both were confined at the V. Luna Hospital on March 15.

"We can confirm that we have two positive COVID patients, a senior military officer and his wife," Sherwin Joseph Sarmiento, the public information chief, said.

Due to this, all officials and staff members who came in direct contact with the official are undergoing self-quarantine.

Meanwhile, all personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Public Affairs Office are considered persons under monitoring for the virus as an extra precaution.

The number of confirmed cases in the country has reached 552 with 35 fatalities. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News