18 inmates at Correctional Institute for Women test positive for coronavirus | Inquirer News

18 inmates at Correctional Institute for Women test positive for coronavirus

/ 11:14 AM April 21, 2020

MANILA, Philippines — Eighteen more persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), CIW Superintendent Virginia Mangawit said in her report to Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Gerald Bantag.

Aside from the 18 PDLs, one employee of the facility likewise tested positive.

Forty two PDLs and 9 BuCor medical personnel were tested after an inmate was  admitted to a government hospital and tested positive for the viral respiratory illness.

Article continues after this advertisement

The PCR test was conducted by the Philippine Red Cross.

FEATURED STORIES

Mangawit said those who tested positive have mild symptoms while some did not exhibit symptoms.

“They are now being monitored and given vitamins, medicines and food supplements to strengthen their immune system,” she said.

Article continues after this advertisement

Part of the government’s measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is physical distancing, meaning keeping at least six feet or two meters distance from other individuals.

Article continues after this advertisement

In prison facilities, however, physical distancing is not feasible due to the congestion which is why there have been calls for the temporary release of vulnerable PDLs.

Article continues after this advertisement

At CIW, there are already 3,196 inmates.

The CIW said it has implemented additional preventive measures such as contact tracing and isolation of those exposed and testing of all persons suspected and probable COVID-19 cases.

Article continues after this advertisement

CIW has also augmented its medical personnel as well as supplies for vitamins and food supplements. It has also enhanced its coordination with government hospitals to receive the PDLs requiring hospital care.

“The CIW needs more vitamins, food supplements that promote the immune system, beds and big tents,” she added.

RELATED STORIES:

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1258660/sc-urged-to-exercise-extraordinary-powers-to-allow-inmates-release-amid-covid-19#ixzz6Jeau8HQh

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1261832/sc-issues-guidelines-to-decongest-jails-amid-corona-virus-pandemic#ixzz6KDTlhDiZ

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

GSG

For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.

TAGS: BJMP, Bucor, Coronavirus, COVID19, PDL, Supreme Court

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.