ON the heels of the reported clustering of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday called on jail officials to make sure that inmates and personnel are vaccinated against the virus.
In a press briefing, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reminded officials of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) that vaccine is “the most effective tool to prevent infection in congregate settings, such as jails.”
“All inmates as well as personnel in jails must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19,” Vergeire said.
She added that the wearing of face masks is also necessary to provide inmates with additional layer of protection.
“Everyone should wear face masks, especially if the infection is in every part of the prison facility,” she said.
Vergeire likewise called for COVID-19 testing in all prison facilities to immediately identify positive cases.
“Testing is still part of our protocols, especially for congregate settings. We must isolate those found sick so we can cut the transmission,” she said.
Last week, 75 NBP inmates were isolated after showing mild symptoms and testing positive for COVID-19.
The BuCor has said that seven NBP personnel also contracted the virus and are now undergoing home quarantine.
Vergeire said the DOH is still waiting for an update from the NBP regarding the COVID-19 situation in the facility.
