MANILA- Prisoners in Metro Manila who will exhibit mild symptoms of coronavirus can be quarantined in an exclusive isolation center just outside the Quezon City Jail in Payatas, the Bureau of Jail Management and Peonology said Thursday.

The 48-bed isolation center started operations on Wednesday and will only cater to inmates with mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19, the BJMP said.

"Our position is always at the side of caution; that is why we triple our efforts in establishing an isolation center outside the jail facility," BJMP Chief Jail Director Allan Iral said.

The isolation facility was completed with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Philippine Red Cross. It will serve all jails in Metro Manila.

The facility consists of 4 tents set up with electricity, water, sanitation, as well as with basic medical equipment, Red Cross said.

All medical personnel who will be operating the said facility have also completed training on handling of infectious diseases.

Isolation facilities for prison systems outside Metro Manila meanwhile are still ongoing, Red Cross said.

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