COVID test for inmates pushed

MANILA, Philippines — Citing the increase in coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 cases in jails, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said inmates should be tested for the virus.

BJMP chief Alan Iral said the executive order (EO) issued by Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella to test inmates before admission or release should be implemented in all jails.

“You are directed to request your local chief executive to possibly replicate, with applicable modifications, the action of Mayor Labella to prevent COVID-19 infection of persons deprived of liberty and personnel in your area of responsibility,” Iral’s order read.

The Cebu City jail recorded 207 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday.

Under Labella’s EO, inmates shall be isolated in a facility to be designated by the Cebu City police while waiting for test results.

Those who tested positive for the virus shall be placed in a quarantine facility for treatment.

Meanwhile, three new cases were recorded in Bulacan on Tuesday.

Maricel Cruz, provincial public affairs office chief, said the patients are a 74-year-old man from San Jose del Monte City and two women, aged 87 and 33 from Bocaue.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Bulacan is now 112, with 24 fatalities.

Cruz said two patients have recovered, bringing the number of recoveries to 19.

Stranded students, workers

In Kalinga, the local inter-agency task force on COVID-19 in Tabuk City appealed for patience from stranded workers and students, saying they could return home on May 30.

City health officer Henrietta Bagayao said the needed equipment in barangay isolation units have yet to be delivered. The city has 42 barangays.

In Baguio City, the city government said it is looking into the plight of around 2,000 students stranded in dormitories and boarding houses.

The Mindanao State University in Marawi City said it would facilitate the return of 57 students to their residence in Davao City, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental.

The students have been stranded in the campus since last month due to the quarantine. – Iris Hazel Mascardo/The Freeman, John Unson, Artemio Dumlao