DAVAO CITY - The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Region 11 (BJMP-11) on Tuesday said eight persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Davao City Jail-Male Dormitory tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In a statement, BJMP said 10 PDLs underwent swab tests as one of the requirements prior to their transfer to the rehabilitation center. They were tested last November 21.
It said among those who tested positive was a patient, who died on November 19 prior to the release of the results of the test.
The BJMP said the PDL "was brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) last November 15, 2020, due to difficulty of breathing, and was diagnosed to have Pulmonary Congestion secondary to End Stage Renal Failure."
It added that the PDL "was already separated from the general population since he belongs to the vulnerable group."
The BJMP said, as part of the facility's COVID-19 management, the vulnerable group was kept in isolation "even before the release of the RT PCR test results."
Seven other PDL tested positive. The male dormitory underwent a decontamination procedure and implemented a jail lockdown, it said.
The BJMP added that a total of 137 PDLs, who had close contacts with those who tested positive, and who have mild symptoms, were already tested and placed under quarantine.
"We also distributed vitamins to boost their immune system further. Currently, the PDL are in good physical condition," it added.
The BJMP said they have already coordinated with the Regional COVID-19 Task Force (RCTF) for the contact tracing and case investigation among PDL and personnel.
The BJMP also said that they have temporarily suspended their acceptance of newly-committed PDL "until the situation is cleared."