COVID-19 vaccination of inmates depends on supply from DOH, LGUs —BJMP spox

Amid calls to give equal attention to the COVID-19 vaccination of inmates, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said Monday its inoculation program depends on the supply.

In a press conference, BJMP spokesperson Jail Chief Inspector Xavier Solda said jail facilities are relying on the allocation of the Department of Health and support of local government units.

“Nakadepende ito sa supply (It depends on the supply) coming from the National Vaccine Operations Center allocated for our jails and the support of our LGUs,” he said.

On Sunday, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urged the government to equally give attention to the need of persons deprived of liberty (PDL) for COVID-19 vaccination and the welfare of jail personnel.

The BJMP has recorded a total of 6,771 COVID-19 cases as of Monday, according to Solda.

Solda said that 4,235 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have tested positive for COVID-19. At least 4,026 have recovered, while 41 have died due to the disease.

At least 99 are still active cases among the inmates.

Meanwhile, a total of 2,536 BJMP personnel have tested for COVID-29. Around 2,378 have recovered, while 13 already died.

Around 145 BJMP personnel are still active cases, according to Solda.

Based on the BJMP data, 16,380 or 13.16% of PDLs already received their first dose of COVID-19, while 10,939 or 9.14% are already fully vaccinated.

Also, at least 14,023 or 81.98% of BJMP personnel have received their first jab, while 11,907 or 69.84% are fully vaccinated.—AOL, GMA News