KALIBO, Aklan – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Aklan is stepping up to the challenge of containing the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
BJMP-Aklan imposed restrictions and other coronavirus-related protocols for the well-being of the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). Although there have been no reports of the COVID-19 in the Aklan District Jail, the facility could possibly become the hotbed of the virus if no preventive measures will be taken.
On March 11, BJMP-Aklan suspended indefinitely the jail visits of family members, relatives and friends of PDLs in Aklan District Jail to minimize their risk of being infected.
In addition, jail guards are assigned to do 12-hour shifts from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 6 p.m. until 8 a.m. to secure the facilities.
The jail guards assigned in checkpoints outside the BJMP-Aklan facility, on the other hand, will not be allowed to work inside.
Aside from hand sanitizers, protective gears are also required for jail guards working in case they need to respond to a potential outbreak of the COVID-19 inside the Aklan District Jail.
As the virus may quickly spread in places like prisons, PDLs and jail guards have been always reminded to practice good hygiene such as washing of hands frequently.(With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
