PSG creates task force Covid-19 to ensure Duterte’s safety

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers a speech during a meeting with local chief executives at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on February 10, 2020. ALFRED FRIAS/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — The Presidential Security Group (PSG) on Monday said it has created the “PSG Task Force Covid-19” to safeguard President Rodrigo Duterte and the first family following the rise in the number of persons infected with the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) to 140.

In a statement on its official website, PSG said the task force will implement preventive measures against infection among Duterte and the first family, PSG personnel and dependents, Malacañang employees, and other concerned parties.

Among the measures being implemented by the PSG are the strict enforcement of “no touch” policy on Duterte, including maintaining at least 10-meter distance from the audience.

For private functions or meetings, the PSG said only those who were tested and found negative for Covid-19 will be allowed to be near Duterte, while those not tested shall maintain at least six-feet or two-meter distance from him.

Medical teams and established quarantine sites will be in place within Malacañang Complex to attend to persons suspected of having contracted the disease.

The PSG will regularly conduct information drive for all PSG personnel and their dependents

It will also regularly conduct sanitation and disinfection of PSG compound and Malacañang Complex to include its neighboring buildings and facilities.

Stringent security protocols will also be implemented for proper disposition and monitoring of all PSG personnel and their dependents and to those entering Malacañang Complex.

Personnel posted as guards are required to wear surgical face mask and conduct temperature check to all the people going inside the Malacañang Complex.

Meanwhile, all those going in and out Malacañang Complex are required to accomplish a declaration form.

It will also optimize media platforms (TV, radio, internet, messaging, print and ads) to convey to the public of PSG’s security measures to protect the President and his family from Covid-19.

The implementation of PSG’s action plans will be in accordance with the guidelines of the “community quarantine” and Code Red (Sub-level 2) alert system.

The PSG will also collaborate with the Department of Health and other concerned government agencies for real time updates as basis for new guidelines and action plan.

Earlier, PSG commander, Col. Jesus Durante III tested negative for Covid-19 along with Duterte, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, and a number of Cabinet members.

As of Sunday, the DOH said the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases has surged to 140 with 12 deaths.

Duterte is set to meet with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases on measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the country. He will make a public address after the meeting.