FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Headquarters, Philippine Army (HPA) has intensified its precautionary measures amid the outbreak of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), here today, Mar. 12, 2020.
HPA units and offices have already taken necessary steps to protect the health and safety of its military personnel, civilian human resource, and their dependents as well as other individuals entering and leaving the camp premises.
A Triage Tent has already been set up by the Army General Hospital (AGH) wherein persons who have shown symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, other respiratory symptoms or diarrhea; or have visited other countries recently; will undergo a screening interview in the said area.
As of writing, the AGH is also working on the proposal of providing thermal guns to every establishment inside the HPA. Thermal guns are being used by Military Police Battalion (MP Bn) personnel in HPA gates to monitor every person’s temperature before going inside the camp.
Moreover, the AGH and the Office of the Army Chief Surgeon have already conducted Troop Information and Education activities to inform the MP Bn and personnel of the Army Wellness Center, since said units accommodate the most number of crowds.
Other measures taken include cancellation of mass formations like flag-raising ceremonies and the designation of quarantine areas inside the camp to cater to persons under monitoring.
The AGH calls on taking preventive actions through proper hygiene, keeping away from crowded areas and physical contact, use of face masks when necessary, coughing etiquettes, eating healthy foods while avoiding raw meat or not thoroughly cooked meals, and seek medical attention if any of symptoms appear.
“As we are constantly looking out for the health and safety of the people in the Army, the command is taking necessary measures in avoiding and containing the spread of the virus. We ensure that everyone going in and out of the camp are thermally inspected and are directed to use disinfectants available in all receiving areas,” said Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay. “We encourage everyone to practice proper hygiene, hand washing and preparation of food. Let’s be cautious while remaining calm. We are hopeful that this virus will not last and will not affect any more of our military and civilian workforce,” he added.#