The designated Secretary of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DRC), Ana Escobar Pabón, reported that 35 inmates tested positive for COVID-19 after undergoing molecular testing. These positive cases are part of a module of 59 inmates at the Ponce 676 facility.
Escobar Pabón reported that currently 34 of those infected are asymptomatic and one has mild symptoms. He added that according to information provided by Dr. Raúl Villalobos, president of Physician Correctional, yesterday 452 molecular tests and 161 tests were performed on workers and custodial officers, and the results are awaited.
The designated secretary recalled that, as on previous occasions, the agency has activated the current protocol and that all those affected will be in isolation and cared for by medical personnel of the facility for the next 14 days.
“Epidemiology and hygiene personnel from the Department of Health, Correctional Health and Physician Correctional are proactively working to stop the spread of the virus while the detection process is carried out. It is important to note that next Monday, January 18, once the vaccines are received, we will begin the vaccination process at the Ponce prison complex. This process includes the Ponce and Villalba social treatment centers. This vaccination schedule will run until January 22, ”said the government official.
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As additional measures within the institution, the cancellation of transfers to and from the Ponce 676 institution was ordered.
Regarding visits to correctional institutions, the government official said they have been canceled in accordance with the current executive order and as a protective measure. “Once the population is vaccinated, we will follow the recommendations of health professionals and evaluate the current guideline,” he concluded.