QC Jail intensifies health checks after 9 inmates test positive for COVID-19

Authorities have intensified monitoring and health checks at the Quezon City Jail after nine inmates tested positive for COVID-19. 

According to Saleema Refran's report on "24 Oras", the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology have started conducting frequent patrols.

Health officials are also doing check-ups while all detainees have been made to wear face masks.

High-risk PDLs or the elderly and those with other diseases have also been moved to the isolated and quarantine facility.

"Based on international studies, sabi nila, ang word na ginamit, it will spread like wildfire," BMJP Health and Medical Division chief Dr. Paul Borlongan said.

"Ang set-up nila doon isolated each cell yung mga PDL nila, mga inmate, dito sa atin magkakahalubilo," he added.

The nine COVID-19 positive detainees were the close contacts of a suspected COVID-19 case who died before getting confirmation as regards his infection.

"Sa city jail alam naman natin ang ratio ng space versus the number of inmates doon sa city jail so talaga sila 'yung na-identify na close contacts," Dr. Rolly Cruz said.

"By the time na na-swab natin sila, some of them are already asymptomatic," he added.

According to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the jail has stopped accepting visitors starting March 11 and issued a lockdown on March 20.

On March 21, a BJMP para-legal officer assigned to the jail -- who later tested positive for the virus -- did not go to work.

On March 25, a 47-year-old detainee was rushed to the Quezon City General Hospital. He complained of difficulty breathing. He was declared dead on arrival.

He was cremated on April 1.

Though not tested for the virus,  the death certificate of the inmate states that he may have died due to possible COVID-19 infection.

His death was considered as death under investigation by the City Health Office.

According to the report, the detainee's close contacts were then brought to the jail quarantine facility on the first week of April.

"Aside from intensified contact tracing sa Quezon City Jail, we'll also be doing random sampling," BJMP spokesman Xavier Solda said.

"Ibig sabihin kahit wala silang mga sintomas doon sa mga selda, kukuha tayo ng mga PDL para i-check din natin at malaman yung real situation nila sa loob," he added.

Twenty-four more detainees were brought to the quarantine facility on Thursday. ducted disinfection procedures in its facilities. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF/NB, GMA News