Image credits: Nonoy Lacza
Citing the spike in Covid cases, Sen. Panfilo Lacson backed plans by the Duterte administration to deploy more soldiers and policemen in the streets to strictly enforce health protocols to effectively contain the deadly coronavirus contagion.
In a news statement issued on Wednesday, Lacson reminded that “we are under a state of public health emergency” by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 922, noting that the country continues to struggle amid efforts to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.
In fact, he added, “there is a noticeable spike in the past few days, and the government must use its police power under the Constitution to
make sure that the further spread of the virus is prevented or controlled.”
That said, Lacson stressed that civilians should also “do their part by cooperating with lawful instructions and following the proper health protocols.”
“This is the key to minimizing the spread of the coronavirus,” the senator stressed.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Debold Sinas, meanwhile, ordered policemen on the frontlines to strengthen the enforcement of health protocols amid the spike.
A news statement released by the PNP, through its spokesman Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana on Wednesday said the directive was issued by Sinas to police units to reinforce existing police support to implement Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Infectious Diseases —Department of Health protocols in response to the spike in the number of cases.
“We cannot afford to lower our guard against the virus, especially at this point when the cure is already within reach,” the statement quoted Sinas as saying.
The PNP chief said the police would be vigilant in enforcing public health guidelines and local ordinances that “seek to mitigate the effects of the pandemic that has so far infected 600,000 Filipinos, 12,000 of whom have died due to medical complications.”
The PNP appealed to the public for greater awareness and cooperation in the implementation and observance of health protocols amid the increase of cases, including the proper wearing of face shield and face mask.
“The layer of protection provided by the mask and face shield to cover the nose, mouth and eyes against airborne droplets from infected persons, we are, in effect, putting up a defensive barrier to shield ourselves from possible infection,” it said.
The PNP said personal hygiene and disinfection only add up a layer of protection by eliminating the possibility of transmission through physical contact with frequently touched surfaces that may have been contaminated.
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