BuCor says 18 Correctional inmates, one staff positive for COVID-19

April 21, 2020

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Tuesday confirmed that 18 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City and one of their staff were tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a Facebook post, it said the COVID-positive individuals were found to have contact with a 72-year-old inmate who was brought to a government hospital and  tested positive for the virus.

The 72-year-old  is the first COVID-19 case at the CIW.

After contact tracing, they tested 51 persons, 42 PDLs and nine BuCor medical staff.

“Those tested positive were reported to have mild symptoms and some are asymptomatic,” BuCor said.

“They are now being monitored and given vitamins, medicines and food supplements to strengthen their immune system,” it added.

The CIW administration are doing further measures  to identify those who were possibly exposed, isolate those traced and considered exposed.

Quarantine areas were previously identified and being used. Further testing on all persons who are suspect and probable is also being done.

The CIW is enhancing their partnership with government hospitals and private stakeholders to stop the spread of the disease inside the facility.

“The CIW needs more vitamins for PDLs, food supplements that promote the immune system, beds and big tents,” BuCor said.  Ella Dionisio/DMS