As COVID-19 cases surge, PNP chief Sinas tests positive

Philippines logs 3,749 COVID cases today; PNP Chief Sinas found COVID -19 positive

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) reported 3,749 new COVID-19 cases as of 4:00 P.M. today bringing the total number to 607,048 cases since the onset of the pandemic last year.

In a statement, the DOH said there were 40 recoveries and 63 new fatalities. From the figures, 7.9% or 47,769 are active cases, 90.1% or 546,671 recovered and there were 12,608 fatalities.

The National Capital Region logged 15,323 cases during the last 14 days while Region VII or Central Visayas reported 5,146 new cases. CALABARZON added 3,697 new cases and Central Luzon reported 2,304 new cases along with the Cordillera Administrative Region with 1,416 cases.

The Department of Health also revealed Quezon City added 2,649 new cases during the past 14 days with Pasay City had 2,324 while Manila logged 2,158 cases. Cebu City reported 2,129 new cases during the last two weeks while Cavite Province reported 1,440 cases.

Meanwhile, PNP Chief Police General Debold M. Sinas was confirmed positive for COVID-19.

Media reports quoted PNP Spokesman Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana confirmed in a Viber message to Camp Crame-based reporters that Sinas caught the virus but is in good condition.

Meanwhile, Rappler reports also quoted Lt. General Eduardo Eleazar said the top command will be “assessed” before being asked to go on quarantine.

Different police officials had different levels of exposure to the Chief PNP and when officers will go on self-isolation, the Command will find its officer-in-charge. This is the first time he contracted the virus despite his exposure to the police community since the onset of the pandemic.

It will be recalled General Sinas drew criticism for violating health protocols when he celebrated his 55th birthday where he was honored with a mañanita or early morning serenade. (Melo M. Acuña)

Police General Debold M. Sinas. (PNP website photo)