Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21) — The Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong has reported 18 more prisoners and one jail worker infected with COVID-19 after coming in contact with a sick inmate.

The Bureau of Corrections announced Tuesday that 19 more people inside the jail facility have tested positive for COVID-19, just days after a female inmate was brought to a government hospital and was confirmed to be infected.

Corrections Superintendent Virginia Mangawit said 42 inmates and nine medical staff assigned to the prison were tested by the Philippine Red Cross using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, which is deemed more accurate compared to rapid test kits. BuCor said the confirmed cases have mild symptoms, while some were not showing any signs of illness.

"They are now being monitored and given vitamins, medicines and food supplements to strengthen their immune system," BuCor said in a statement.

BuCor spokesperson Col. Gabriel Chaclag updated the 19 infected COVID-19 persons from CIW were transferred this afternoon to the New Bilbid Prison in Muntinlupa City.

But the Muntinlupa LGU denounced the transfer of the infected individuals to their city.

Last Saturday, BuCor confirmed that a 72-year-old inmate in the women's facility had the coronavirus.

Quarantine areas inside the jail premises have been identified, while further testing is being prepared to cover suspected and probable cases, the agency said.

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The Quezon City Jail has also reported COVID-19 infections among nine inmates and nine jail staff. A petition to release high-risk inmates with medical conditions as well as first-time offenders of petty crimes amid the COVID-19 pandemic is pending before the Supreme Court, as some human rights groups call the country's congested detention cells as "ticking time bombs" for infections.

On Monday, the Supreme Court reminded first and second level courts to fast-track the evaluation of detainees who may be set free based on certain parameters to help decongest jail cells in the country. Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez issued a circular directed to these low-level courts to release accused individuals who have spent the minimum jail time prescribed in the charges they face as they wait for a verdict.

Provisional dismissals are also allowed for cases which have stalled due to factors like an absent key witness to the trial, as long as the accused will provide contact details and exact addresses about where they will be staying once the trial proceeds.

"Motions for recognizance and provisional dismissal of cases resulting to the release of PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) from detention may be considered urgent and must be immediately set for hearing," Marquez said in the order.