MANILA, Philippines — More than 700 inmates and 125 jail personnel have contracted the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in various penal facilities nationwide, the Bureau of Jail and Management Penology (BJMP) said on Thursday.
The total number of infected detainees has increased to 745 from 195 reported last April 28.
Of the 745 infected inmates, the BJMP said 388 have recovered from the respiratory disease while six inmates have died from it.
Meanwhile, of the 125 infected BJMP personnel, 65 have recovered. There were no reported COVID-19 deaths from the infected BJMP personnel.
Previously, BJMP chief Jail Director Allan Iral said they have established quarantine facilities for the treatment of inmates and BJMP personnel.
Iral said they have also distributed vitamins and face masks to inmates and jail personnel. The daily disinfection of jail cells and other facilities are also being done to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The BJMP has also allowed online “visitations” to continue communication between the inmates and their families amid the coronavirus crisis.