COVID-19: Random tests yet to be conducted in Meghalaya jails

Guwahati: Although jail inmates across the nation have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the prisons department of Meghalaya is in no hurry to conduct random tests in the jails to detect the presence of the virus, said reports.

Meghalaya's inspector general of prisons Mariahom Kharkrang recently told media that there are no 'immediate plans' to conduct random testing in any of the jails as none of the prisoners have exhibited any of the symptoms associated with the COVID-19 virus.

He further informed that none of the visitors coming to the jails are allowed to meet the prisoners to prevent the spread of the virus.

He further informed that all communication between inmates and relatives are done through telephones to mitigate the risk of infections.

Kharkrang said that the prison department has created two isolation cells in the Shillong district jail, Jowai district jail, Tura district jail, Williamnagar district jail and Nongpoh district jail. He added that one of the isolation cells is for new inmates who are kept in quarantine. They are only allowed to move into the cells when the medical experts are satisfied regarding the condition of their health.

Kharkrang informed that the second isolation cells have been kept ready to house inmates who develop symptoms of the viral disease.

He also added that the jails across the State are being provided with surgical gloves, masks, and hand sanitizers to be used by the jail staff whenever they enter the cells.

The jails are being sanitized with sodium-hypo chloride and bleaching powder.

Meghalaya has so far recorded a total of 2,734 positive cases, of which 1,252 are active and 14 have died due to the viral infection.

In all, East Khasi Hills has the highest number of active cases in the state with 842 cases, followed by West Garo Hills with 140 cases, Ri Bhoi with 91, and East Garo Hills with 83 cases.

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