BJMP: 195 inmates hit by COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 195 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) head Allan Iral announced Tuesday.

During the online meeting of the House of Representative’s Defeat COVID-19 Committee (DCC) Peace and Order Cluster, Iral said that of the 373 PDLs tested, 195 were positive.

No one has recovered yet, Iral said.

Iral reported that  presentation, 185 of the infected PDLs are  are detained at the Cebu City Jail.

Nine others are locked up at the Quezon City Jail, and another one at the Mandaue City Jail.

Thirty-eight BJMP employees have also tested positive for COVID-19. Iral said only five have recovered as of Tuesday morning.

Iral said that all patients—both PDLs and employees—were isolated for more focused medical care and are under close monitoring of the agency in coordination with the Department of Health and local epidemiology unit.

BJMP is likewise looking into a targeted mass testing at the male dormitory of the Quezon City Jail and Cebu City Jail.

Iral added that they are also setting up a 150-bed COVID-19 Isolation Center in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross for PDLs within the BJMP National Capital Region and similar isolation facilities in Pampanga and Quezon provinces.

Further, Iral said that they are continuously distributing vitamins and face masks to PDLs and personnel as well as conducting daily disinfection of cells and other jail facilities.

BJMP has also expanded the electronic visiting initiative to maintain communication between PDLs and their loved ones, Iral said.

As of April 27, there are 7,777 COVID-19 cases nationwide, with the death toll at 511. The number of recoveries is at 932.

GSG