BuCor chief tests positive for Covid-19

FILE: New Bilibid Prison (Photo By Jovie Naval via Bureau of Corrections/Website)

MANILA — Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gerald Bantag on Monday said he remains fully functional despite being tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Bantag said he is asymptomatic and may opt not to undergo hospital confinement.

“Hindi na. Wala na naman akong nararamdaman. May quarters naman ako dito (No need [to undergo confinement]. I don’t feel any symptoms and I have my own quarters here),” Bantag told reporters.

The official said he decided to undergo Covid-19 test after experiencing chills for two nights, slight cough, and headaches.

“Uminom lang akong paracetamol at vitamin C, third night wala na, okay na (I just took paracetamol and Vitamin C. I felt fine on the third day. I’m okay now),” he said.

Bantag said that aside from him and BuCor spokesman Gabriel Chaclag, his driver and a close aide had tested positive for Covid-19, noting they traveled together in a van most of the time.

He said his three other close aides also got flu-like symptoms but tested negative for coronavirus.

A number of inmates at BuCor facilities for convicted persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and few prison workers had tested positive for Covid-19.

The virus also claimed the lives of several high-profile prisoners.