PNPA's COVID cases climb to 243; at least 359 contacts under quarantine

The total number of COVID-19 cases at the Philippine National Police Academy climbed to 243 from 232 after testing all cadets and personnel, its director Police Major General Gilbert Cruz said on Sunday.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Cruz said the mass testing was conducted on September 8.

“Minarapat natin na gawing lahatan 'yung testing just to make sure…Lumabas  na nasa 243 ang positive cases natin sa PNPA,” he said.

Of the total number, 232 are cadets, five are officers, two non-officers, and four are maintenance personnel including a janitor.

Cruz said the PNPA has six isolation facilities for COVID-19 cases.

“After ng contact tracing, may mga lumabas din po na kailangan i-quarantine. Mayroon po tayong 359 na nasa quarantine facility,” he added.

According to Cruz, the academy's classes still continue online. He added that some activities of the school were suspended.

"Kasi nagsama-sama na ang mga nag-negative, 'yung mga nag-negative okay lang po mamartsa-martsa sila,” Cruz said noting that they are all wearing face masks.

Cruz added that 11,000 face masks and 27,000 face shields were distributed.

According to Cruz, the PNPA has 1,098 cadets and 361 personnel.

Earlier, the PNPA announced the institution would be placed under lockdown until September 30. Before the date comes, Cruz said, they will conduct swab testing again to all cadets and students. —LBG, GMA News