By Jeffrey Damicog
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is considering conducting mass testing at the Correctional Institute for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City. This was after 20 persons in the facility have tested positive for the deadly 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra
(PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN) “We are now talking to certain parties, including the Red Cross, for the conduct of mass testing at the CIW,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told reporters on Tuesday, April 21. Meanwhile, Guevarra assured that Justice Undersecretary Deo Marco, who has supervision over the correctional, is in close contact with Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gerald Bantag. “I have emphasized to Usec. Marco and DG Bantag the need to give priority attention to the BuCor facilities in view of the threat of rapid COVID-19 transmission within,” the Secretary said. The BuCor reported last week that a 72-year-old female person deprived of liberty (PDL) at the CIW has been tested positive with COVID-19 after showing symptoms and had to be brought to the Sta. Ana Hospital. Because of this, the CIW conducted contact tracing of those she might have exposed and conducted tests on 51 persons at the CIW with the help of the Philippine Red Cross. As a result, the BuCor reported on Tuesday that, among the 51 persons tested, 18 PDLs and one personnel at the CIW were tested positive with COVID-19. “Those tested positive were reported to have mild symptoms and some are asymptomatic. They are now being monitored and given vitamins, medicines and food supplements to strengthen their immune system,” said the BuCor in a statement. The CIW has isolated those tested positive using the designated quarantine areas.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra(PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN) “We are now talking to certain parties, including the Red Cross, for the conduct of mass testing at the CIW,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told reporters on Tuesday, April 21. Meanwhile, Guevarra assured that Justice Undersecretary Deo Marco, who has supervision over the correctional, is in close contact with Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gerald Bantag. “I have emphasized to Usec. Marco and DG Bantag the need to give priority attention to the BuCor facilities in view of the threat of rapid COVID-19 transmission within,” the Secretary said. The BuCor reported last week that a 72-year-old female person deprived of liberty (PDL) at the CIW has been tested positive with COVID-19 after showing symptoms and had to be brought to the Sta. Ana Hospital. Because of this, the CIW conducted contact tracing of those she might have exposed and conducted tests on 51 persons at the CIW with the help of the Philippine Red Cross. As a result, the BuCor reported on Tuesday that, among the 51 persons tested, 18 PDLs and one personnel at the CIW were tested positive with COVID-19. “Those tested positive were reported to have mild symptoms and some are asymptomatic. They are now being monitored and given vitamins, medicines and food supplements to strengthen their immune system,” said the BuCor in a statement. The CIW has isolated those tested positive using the designated quarantine areas.