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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 30) – A “targeted test” will be conducted in selected prisons across the country in light of the rise in coronavirus infections among inmates, the Health Department said Thursday.
“Sa atin pong pakikipag-ugnayan sa Bureau of Corrections and BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology), makakapag-conduct po tayo ng selective testing sa pasalidad kung saan ito kinakailangan“Health spokeswoman Ma. Rosario Vergeire said in an online briefing.
[Translation: Through our coordination with BuCor and BJMP, we will be able to conduct targeted testing in facilities where it is needed.]She said they have carried out an “initial assessment and investigation and case management” at selected facilities through joint efforts with the Department of Justice, the World Health Organization and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in various jails and prison facilities across the country. Human rights groups have called them “time bombs” for infection due to their overcrowded state.
Vergeire said they are monitoring these facilities, including the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City and the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City.
He said the department is also coordinating with the ICRC to install more isolation facilities in Bilibid, in addition to auxiliary tents for prisoners suspected of coronavirus infection.
The BJMP said Tuesday that 195 inmates and 38 jail staff tested positive for COVID-19, but more cases were reported this week.
Earlier this month, 22 prisoners with underlying medical conditions filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking temporary release amid the outbreak. The motion is still pending with the higher court.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court and the Justice Department have relaxed the rules to facilitate the release of some inmates to decongest the country’s jails.
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