By Chito Chavez
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesperson Chief Inspector Xavier Solda on Wednesday assured that all precautionary measures are being undertaken to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in its facilities.
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (MANILA BULLETIN)
He said these precautionary measures are being done through the BJMP Task Force COVID-19.
In a news briefing, Solda said the nine persons deprived of liberty (PDL) who previously tested positive for COVID-19 remained in good condition and are now housed in the BJMP’s isolation facility in Quezon City.
He added that the nine BJMP personnel who also tested positive for the virus are strictly being monitored and are under house quarantine.
Solda noted that the BJMP headquarters have not yet received any official reports from the Cebu City Jail with regards to its two PDLs who allegedly tested positive for COVID-19.
The BJMP spokesperson noted that the 41 PDLs housed in the BJMP’s isolation facilities in Quezon City are strictly monitored by the doctors and nurses 24/7.
In the BJMP run facilities, Solda assured that the PDLs are well-taken care off as routine disinfection, social distancing and wearing of masks are constantly followed.
With the added lines, Solda noted that the “Electronic: Dalaw (Visit)’’ was further expanded to allow PDLs to communicate with their families more often as the BJMP has imposed a visitation lockdown as a precaution to the virus since March 11.
Solda noted the bureau has further strengthened its “telepsychology’’ services to provide the psychological support for the jail’s personnel and PDLs.
He explained that “telepsychology is used to augment traditional in-person services being provided to BJMP personnel, rendering frontline services using telecommunication services to manage their stress."
To explain further, Solda said that it is a psychological intervention program developed to help personnel release pent-up feelings and emotions, to have an enhanced capacity to cope with stress, enhanced tolerance and attain tranquility or peace of mind, and able to develop healthy coping skills.
For the PDL, Solda said the program allows them to develop a personal analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, be able to regulate their own emotions to pay attention to others, reduce anxiety levels and improve sleep quality, be able to apply self-care management and maintain good psychological well-being.
It is also one of the mediums utilized to address anxieties, stress, and other potential mental health issues among those who were newly committed in jails.