BJMP personnel tests positive for Covid-19

He said the BJMP is now conducting contract tracing among its staff to identify those who came in direct contact with the female officer. The personnel she interacted with were advised to undergo home quarantine. (File Photo by Bill Oxford/Unsplash)

MANILA – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on Monday confirmed that its female paralegal officer had tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

BJMP Spokesperson Chief Inspector Xavier Solda said the paralegal officer assigned at Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory was on a work-at-home status.

He said the female officer started to work from home on March 21 despite her responsibility to monitor cases of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) before the court.

“Aside from the nature of her work, she was allowed to work at home during the jail lockdown because she has a pre-medical condition,” Solda said in a statement.

After visiting the hospital and upon the doctor’s advice, the BJMP personnel, who has asthma, hypertension, and diabetes, is now at home under strict quarantine, Solda said.

He said the BJMP is now conducting contract tracing among its staff to identify those who came in direct contact with the female officer. The personnel she interacted with were advised to undergo home quarantine.

“Currently, the management of the facility is providing her assistance until she fully recovers from the disease,” he said.

Meanwhile, Solda reminded all BJMP personnel to be vigilant and observe the precautionary measures to protect the jails and offices from the deadly virus.

“We keep on reminding them to be more cautious and vigilant to protect themselves from the virus,” Solda pointed out.

Solda assured the public that BJMP Covid-19 Task Force is strictly implementing precautionary measures anchored on the Department of Health protocols to protect its facilities from Covid-19.

“All BJMP personnel undergo thermal scan every day and jail officers who come near the PDLs wear face masks and footbags,” Solda said.

He also said handwashing areas were set up at the prison gates to maintain cleanliness and personal hygiene on top of regular disinfection in jail premises.

At present, there are 134,748 PDLs nationwide with Cebu City Jail Male Dormitory having the highest number of PDLs at 6,237; followed by Manila City Jail with 4,916 PDLs; and Quezon City Jail with 3,821 PDLs.