35 detainees give positive results for COVID-19 in Ponce prison

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

According to an agency statement, 34 people are asymptomatic and one has mild symptoms.

The agency said that Physician Correctional, the company that deals with the health of the correctional population, performed 452 molecular tests and 161 tests on employees and custody officers yesterday, and the results are expected.

Appointed Secretary Ana Escobar recalled that, as on previous occasions, the agency had activated the current protocol and that all those affected They are isolated for the next 14 days and cared for by the medical staff of the institution.

“The epidemiology and sanitation staff of the Department of Health, Correctional Health and Correctional Physician works proactively to control the spread of the virus, while the follow-up process is performed. It is important to inform you that next Monday, January 18, as soon as the vaccines are received, we will start the vaccination process in the Ponce correctional complex. This process includes the Ponce and Villalba Social Treatment Centers. This vaccination program lasts until January 22, “the official said.

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

Regarding visits to correctional institutions, the secretary said that They are 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 workers and evaluate the current guide,” he concluded.

Earlier, the Correction reported that there was an outbreak of COVID-19 in Bayamón Prison at 167 inmatesteenagers.