KCPS reports 21 PDLs positive of COVID-19
UPDATE – As of 15/02/2021, the number of PDLs positive rose to 52. Six male and two female PDLs with negative results are to be transferred to the old cell facility at the old city hall. Two police prison guards are currently in quarantine.
February 10, 2021- Visitors going to Koronadal City Police Station have been barred from entering the detention facilities after 21 PDLs were reported to have tested positive for COVID-19.
In a statement from KCPS Investigation Intelligence CPDSU & Operation Officer PLt. Reynaldo Sotelo, 70 other PDLs were also subjected to testing and await results. “Ang initial nga gihimo, remaining na preso, mga around 70, gipa swab test, probably bwas o sunod na adlaw ang result.”
Despite the health-threatening situation, police operations are running as usual. Three personnel has voluntarily subjected themselves to testing.
According to OIC- City Health Officer Dr. Edito Vego, the virus might have been caught from visitations and outsiders. Meanwhile, the health officer admits it will be a challenge to transport the infected PDLs due to safety and security reasons. “It is an unforeseen circumstance,” says Dr. Vego, since the city does not have an isolation facility built for special cases such as this.
While KCPS is looking for viable options as to where the PDLs can be isolated and treated, the whole left wing of the ground floor was blocked with clear plastic as a temporary measure. PLt. Sotelo also noted that they will look for a separated holding cell for incoming PDLs. “Kung may bag o nga preso, pangitaan sang pamaagi nga di anay ibutang sa pareho nga cell.”
For now, clients are told to refrain from going to the city police station until the area is cleared from the virus.