35 inmates test positive for COVID-19 in Ponce Prison

The Department of Correction and Rehabilitation reported that 35 inmates of module 59 of the Ponce 676 institution tested positive for COVID-19.

According to a press release from the agency, 34 people are asymptomatic and one has mild symptoms.

The agency indicated that Physician Correctional, the company in charge of the health of the correctional population, performed 452 molecular tests and 161 tests on employees and custody officers yesterday, and is awaiting the results.

The appointed secretary Ana Escobar recalled that, as on previous occasions, the agency activated the current protocol and that all those affected they are in isolation for the next 14 days and are being cared for by the institution’s medical staff.

“Epidemiology staff and health workers from the Department of Health, Correctional Health and Correctional Physician are working proactively to control the spread of viruses while the screening process is underway. It is important to report that this coming Monday, January 18, as well. “We will start the vaccination process in the Ponce correctional complex. This process includes the Social Treatment Centers of Ponce and Villalba. This vaccination schedule extends until January 22,” said the official .

As additional measures within the institution, the cancellation of transfers from and to the Ponce 676 institution was ordered.

On visits to correctional institutions, the secretary said the they are canceled in accordance with the current executive order and as a measure of protection. “Once the population is vaccinated we will heed the recommendations of the health workers and evaluate the current guideline,” he concluded.

Earlier, Correction reported that in Bayamón Prison there was an outbreak of COVID-19 between 167 confinesteenagers.