CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan – The hard lockdown imposed on the Bahay Tanglaw Pag-asa (BTP) in this province was extended for another week to ensure containment of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Dr. Hjordis Marushka Celis, Provincial Health Officer II and chief of Bulacan Medical Center (BMC), on Sunday said at least 95 people, mostly “children in conflict with the law” (CICL) and staff of BTP were tested positive for the virus during the past few weeks.
She said among those found infected were 80 youth inmates, nine employees of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and six jail guards.
The juvenile reformation and correctional facility located in Barangay Guinhawa here was placed under hard lockdown since the detained youths and staff tested positive.
They were found to have been infected by a PSWDO staff member who tested positive on March 26. Upon contact tracing, it was learned that the said staff attended a birthday party where the celebrant turned out to be Covid-19-positive.
According to a report, the young inmates were the first to develop symptoms that included cough and fever one after the other, until the PSWDO staff and jail guards were also found infected.
Celis said the 14-day quarantine period of the patients was already completed but they decided to extend it for another seven days.
The Bahay Tanglaw Pag-asa is under the supervision of the PSWDO.At present, there are more or less 100 CICLs detained in the facility, with cases ranging from rape, robbery and violations of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. (PNA)