COVID-19 outbreak reported in the Bayamón Correctional Institution

A focus of COVID-19 in the Bayamón correctional facility affects 143 detainees, it was reported tonight.

Of these, 141 are asymptomatic, said Ana Escobar Pabón, secretary of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DRC).

The focus is specifically on module 1 of the Bayamón 501 Correctional Institution.

Two of those infected are being held in a hospital.

“I was informed of this situation this afternoon. The corrective report of the doctor, responsible for medical services at DCR, details this the situation was identified on Tuesday, December 28, when it was found that a positive correctional officer had contact with five detainees. They all worked in the motor pool area of ​​the Bayamón Correctional Complex. These detainees also had contact with members of the population in module 1, for whom molecular tests were performed on all of them in the living unit in which they live. Today we have this result and we are working together with the Department of Health to maintain control. “As indicated by Escobar Pabón.

The agency has activated the current protocol and all those affected are in isolation for the next 14 days and cared for by the institution’s medical staff. Molecular tests will be performed on the rest of the correctional population in the Bayamón 501 institution and on security personnel and civilians who may have been exposed.

As additional measures within the institution, Escobar established the use of disposable containers for food distribution, cancellation of transfers to and from the institution. In addition, civilian staff will work remotely and we will send additional protective equipment to employees to protect themselves from possible contagion.

With regard to visits to the Bayamón 501 institution, the government official stated that they were canceled in accordance with the current executive order and until the end of the quarantine period. He added that he made sure that the correctional doctor has active staff 24 hours a day to assist with any symptoms of the correctional population and to prevent the virus from spreading to other institutions of the correctional system.

“We put all the epidemiological staff at the disposal of the Correction Department to participate in the emergency and to follow the way to contain the infections. From the Department of Health, they will have the necessary tests and treatments to deal with the situation and ensure the health of all those in the correctional system. “, said Carlos Mellado López, Secretary of Health.

“I thank the designated Secretary of the Department of Health, Carlos Mellado, and his team for their support today and throughout this process,” concluded Escobar Pabón.