The designated secretary of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DRC), Ana Escobar Pabón, reported that 35 inmates tested positive for COVID-19 after molecular testing. These positive cases belong to a module of 59 confined in the institution Ponce 676.
Escobar Pabón reported that at the moment, 34 of those infected are asymptomatic and one has mild symptoms. He added, that according to information provided by Dr. Raúl Villalobos, president of Correctional Physician, yesterday performed 452 molecular tests and 161 tests on employees and custody officers, and is awaiting the results.
The appointed secretary recalled that, as on previous occasions, the agency activated the current protocol and that all those affected are in isolation for the next 14 days and are being cared for by the institution’s medical staff.
“Epidemiology personnel 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, “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 government.
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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 government official said that 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.