SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Police Regional Office in Ilocos Region (PRO-1) is planning to donate plasma from cops who have recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) to other patients.
In an interview on Wednesday, Regional Health Service of PRO-1, Col. Jessiemyr Protacio said recovered police are undergoing a series of medical screening as probable donors of convalescent plasma.
“Convalescent plasma is plasma from patients who have already recovered from Covid-19. According to research, convalescent plasma might contain neutralizing antibodies that fight the virus. Giving convalescent plasma to patients currently fighting Covid-19 may help them recover,” he said.
Of the total 123 Covid-19 infected police in the region, 111 have already recovered.
“There are now 12 active cases with no fatality among cops in the region,” he added.
Protacio attributed the high recovery rate to the healthcare support of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to its personnel who were infected with Covid-19.
“PRO-1 is maintaining isolation facilities with a total bed capacity of 122. Continuous engagement and coordination with the public health authorities are also conducted to ensure the extensive contact tracing, proper treatment, and isolation of infected PNP personnel in the region,” he said.
He added 98 percent of the active cases are asymptomatic, while the remaining 2 percent are mild condition.
In a separate interview, PRO-1 regional director Brig. Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said 49 percent of PRO1’s cases were assigned in the field.
“Our police take a higher degree of risk and exposure as they often come into contact with the public. They neither have immunity to the virus. But we remain complacent with our countermeasures and continue to update our working conditions under the new normal scheme,” he added. (PNA)
