Remulla says some cops who tested positive for COVID-19 have high viral load

Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday said some of the cops who have tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were found to have "high viral load." 

"Alarming 'yung mga pulis na na-test namin. Fifteen policemen eh 'yung nag-positive. Parang siyam sa kanila ang high viral load ang nakuha. Doon 'yung alarming. Ibig sabihin may asymptomatic na spreaders na mataas ang viral load na dala na kinakalat ang COVID dito sa Cavite," Remulla told Dobol B sa News TV. 

In a Facebook post, Remulla said this was the observation of the province's health expert, Dr. Connie Ang. 

"Ayon kay Dr. Connie Ang, ang strain na lumalabas ngayon sa ating mga testing machines ay 'yung 'high viral load' na kung makuha ng mahina ang naturalesa ay very high chances of mortality," Remulla said. 

"Mag ingat kahit na malakas ang inyong katawan dahil pwede kayong asymptomatic o walang nararamdaman ngunit 'super spreader' o malakas makahawa. Baka mahawahan ninyo ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay lalo na ang mga senior citizens," he added. 

Remulla said the COVID-19 cases in the province have reached 603, of which 327 are active. Of the total number of positive cases, 236 have recovered while 40 died. 

He said targeted testing would continue in the province, which is still under general community quarantine. 

"Nagpasya na 'ko na huwag na muna, hayaan mong mas mahigpit pa kami dito kasi 'di ba para mas safe ang mga tao namin," Remulla said. 

"Tuloy-tuloy ang target testing namin. Tuloy-tuloy ang swabbing namin sa mga suspect. Tuloy-tuloy 'yung sa high-risk individuals. Tuloy-tuloy ang programa namin para sa swabbing," he added.

Meanwhile, as of Tuesday, the number of COVID-19 cases within the Philippine National Police reached 709. Recoveries totalled 346 while the death toll remained at nine. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News