JJAI released the first results of our COVID19 monitoring in the first monthly call with authorities. The COVID19 Monitoring evaluates the preventative measures implemented during the pandemic youth detention. The directors of the participating detention centers and the members of the inter-institutional team joined JJAI via Zoom.
The initial report evaluated the use proper documentation of protocols. CERSAI 1 in Chihuahua had the highest compliance rate, the DGEM San Luis Potosí also showed high compliance, and both the male and female Saltillo detention centers, as well as the CEA San Fernando in Mexico City, showed areas of opportunity where they need to work on, mainly due to a lack of proper documentation.
In the Health area, the most important area being evaluated, most detention centers did not provide adequate documentation in the first month. Regarding the interviews, centers such as the one from San Luis Potosí state, commented that they based their strategy on the IMSS’ (Mexican Social Security Institute) sanitary security protocol, they also formed a sanitary security committee, and the detention center has updated the plan as institutional information is provided for the prevention of contagion of COVID-19.
The detention centers commented that ever since the beginning of the pandemic they have implemented different health strategies to maintain a sanitary environment in accordance with new requirements. The adolescents mentioned that upon admission they are kept separated from their peers for 14 days in a “quarantine”, they are checked daily for oxygenation levels, changes in temperature and an interview is carried out to look for symptoms of the disease. Protocols such as hand washing every time they enter the medical area, and the use of antibacterial gel are conducted. Only one case of COVID-19 was found in a youth in one detention center.