BuCor mandates use of face masks anew

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has ordered the mandatory use of masks anew within its facilities due to the increasing number of cases of respiratory illness in the country.

In a statement yesterday, the BuCor said on-duty personnel, visitors and civilians will be required to wear face masks.

Other people entering BuCor buildings and camps, as well as those transacting with BuCor offices, are also ordered to wear face masks.

“Applying preventive measures to avoid transmission of infection within BuCor facilities is imperative to maintain the health and wellbeing of PDLs (persons deprived of liberty), personnel and the community,” the statement read.

The bureau added that PDLs will also be required to wear face masks when they avail themselves of medical consultations and laboratory services in prison hospitals and infirmaries.

The order came after the Department of Health recorded four cases of “walking pneumonia” in the country. The DOH said “walking pneumonia” is a curable bacterial infection that can be prevented by observing minimum public health protocols.