4 inmates at Manila police station tested positive for coronavirus — NCRPO

MANILA, Philippines — Four detainees at the custodial facility of Sta. Ana police station in Manila were infected with the coronavirus disease, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said Wednesday.

NCRPO chief Major Gen. Debold Sinas said the four persons under police custody (PUCPs) were suspects aged 26, 43, 37 and 19. The names of detainees were not disclosed for their security.

The detainees were arrested for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Sinas said the Metro Manila police Quick Response Team (QRT) conducted rapid testing of PUCPs and two Custodial Jail Officers of Sta. Ana, Manila on April 29.

On May 3, the swab results showed that four PUCPs tested positive for novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19.

Infected detainees were isolated to Delpan Sports Complex in Tondo, Manila for treatment of Manila City Health Office.

Four other PUCPs who were negative for the new virus were placed at an isolation area of Sta. Ana police station.

Sinas assured that the Metro Manila police would implement health protocols for all detainees in Metro Manila custodial facilities to curb the spread of COVID-19.