49 Coast Guard personnel infected with coronavirus —official

At least 49 personnel in Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) had contracted COVID-19, its Commandant Vice Admiral George Ursabia said on Sunday.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Ursabia said that of the number, 30  have already recovered, while the rest are still fighting the infection.

“As of yesterday, mayroon na kaming 49 tauhan na naging positive din sa COVID-19. Out of 49, 30 'ata, naka-recover. Mayroon pang 19 na under recovery,” Ursabia said.

The PCG has been assisting stranded overseas Filipino workers arriving in the country in batches. It is also helping other concerned agencies, such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

“Itong effort at itong hinaharap nating pandemic, first time natin na harapin ito. Since na first time natin, siyempre nabigla tayo,” Ursabia said.

“Kahit anong crisis, if you are going to address it, you have to start somewhere, somehow. 'Yun ang ginawa natin kahit wala tayong mga existing na doktrina because time is of the essence,” he added.

Compared to the previous process of receiving OFWs , Ursubia said, the present operation has improved.

“Ang magandang balita ngayon, scientific na talaga 'yung pamamaraan ng pag-address natin  nitong pagha-handle, kasama na sa mga OFW. In fact, automated na,” he said. —LBG, GMA News