Justice Undersecretary Marrk Perete said prison authorities are now trying to determine if the patient got infected while at the facility or while confined at the hospital. The Department of Justice has supervisory powers over the BuCor, which manages the country’s prisons.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 18) —A 72-year-old inmate of the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City has tested positive for coronavirus infection, the Bureau of Corrections said Saturday.
The elderly patient was brought to Sta. Ana Hospital in Manila on Monday after being diagnosed with community acquired pneumonia at the CIW’s infirmary, BuCor said in a statement.
The patient also has been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type 2, according to a report from Corrections Superintendent Virginia Mangawit.
BuCor said all medical personnel and prisoners who had contact with the patient “are now being tested” for COVID-19 as a precautionary measure.
On Friday, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology announced that nine detainees and nine prison employees at the Quezon City jail have contracted the coronavirus disease. The BJMP said all nine inmates have been isolated and are “in good shape,” without any symptoms.
Meanwhile, some employees afflicted with the virus were told to go through self-quarantine at home as they did not exhibit severe symptoms.
Earlier this month, 22 prisoners who have underlying medical conditions filed a petition before the Supreme Court, seeking temporary freedom amid the coronavirus disease outbreak.
The high court on Friday asked the BJMP to comment within five days of the prisoners’ petition.
For their part, BuCor said no other prison and penal facilities have reported COVID-19 cases.
“Rest assured that the lone PDL (person deprived of liberty) patient who is now confined at Sta. Ana Hospital is being attended to by our hospital frontliners,” it added.
Nationwide, the number of COVID-19 cases rose to 6,087 on Saturday, with 397 deaths and 516 recoveries.
