K. Atoll, Maldives – Covid-19 is spreading fast in K. Himmafushi ‘Asseyri’ prison and 94 prisoners have tested positive for the virus.
Maldives Correctional Service’s official stated that out 122 samples taken from prisoners in the Asseyri jail, 94 had turned positive.
No prisoner is in serious condition. We are trying to take samples from all the prisoners by tomorrow.
Official, Maldives Correctional Service
The official noted that such a large number of prisoners turned positive due to the fact that, unlike other jails, prisoners are not confined to cells and can feely mingle with other prisoners in Asseyri jail.
Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases, many restrictions have been made in jails, including Asseyri Jail.
On April 22, Maldives Correctional Services informed that two officers working at Maafushi and Asseyri prisons have tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.
However, the official added that of the jails that are being controlled by the Maldives Correctional Service, Maafushi Jail and Hulhumalé Jail does not have any positive prisoners at present.
However, 12 prisoners in Malé jail along with 2 Bangladeshi nationals in Hulhumalé detention centre have tested positive for Covid-19. One prisoner is currently getting treated at the Hulhumalé Covid facility.
Out of all the prisoners under the Corrections, 55 percent have been vaccinated with the first dose. The second dose will be administered on time given that the Covid-19 situation does not worsen.
