PNP forms health team to help contain novel coronavirus

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has activated a health team to support the government's efforts in containing the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory syndrome (ncov ARD).

This specialized team consists of 105 personnel and volunteers trained in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) operations.

PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa stated that the CBRNE-trained medical personnel can be deployed to assist in the repatriation of Filipinos from affected countries, provided they undergo mandatory quarantine.

The activation aligns with President Duterte's directive for the PNP to actively participate in virus containment efforts, especially after the Philippines became the first country outside China to record a nCoV-ARD-related death.

The PNP is awaiting instructions from the Department of Health (DoH) for deployment, as the DoH leads the national response.

The CBRNE team is equipped with essential medical supplies, including protective gear and monitoring equipment, which can be utilized in quarantine procedures for returning Filipinos and suspected foreign individuals.

While acknowledging their expertise isn't solely focused on nCoV-ARD, Gamboa highlighted the applicability of their protective gear and training in managing quarantine situations.

The PNP also has doctors available to augment the government's medical teams as required.