The number of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in Davao City Jail who tested positive for COVID-19 has increased to 68.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Region 11 said the inmates have been placed in the isolation facility of the detention center which can accommodate 100 patients.
Authorities reported that majority of the confirmed cases of COVID-19 are asymptomatic.
“Naka-separate na iyong 15 na nag-positive na may comorbidity na mino-monitor namin. Then ready rin ang response team namin sa labas just in case may kailangang dahil sa (Southern Philippines Medical Center) SPMC (The 15 who tested positive with comorbidity have been separated. Our response team is also ready in case someone needs to be brought to SPMC),” BJMP Reg. Dir. JSInsp. Daniel David stated.
Eight BJMP personnel also tested positive for COVID-19 in the region and four of them are in the isolation facility of the Department of Health (DOH).
Authorities are now determining how the virus entered the prison facility despite the strict implementation of lockdown since March.
“Tinitingnan ang mga demographics nila, tinitingnan yung mga activities nila, tinitingnan din kung sino ang mga close contact from PDL to personnel (Their demographics, activities, and close contact from PDL to personnel are being looked into),” David said.
A quarantine facility inside the city jail has also been dedicated for the close contacts of the affected inmates. Other prison facilities in the region remain COVID-free. – Report from Jay Lagang/PTV Davao
