Bhubaneswar: To contain the spread of COVID-19 inside prison, four quarantine wards have been set up in Jharpada jail here for the new inmates.
COVID tests for the new inmates have been made mandatory. If any of the previous inmates has any symptom such as cold, cough or fever, the inmate will be lodged in separate ward. About 3,000 masks have been provided for inmates and staff, while screening and sanitation have also been arranged at the entrance.
According to the information received, no staff or inmates in Jharpada Jail has been affected by coronavirus till date. As many as 144 people, including prisoners and staff, have gone through antigen tests. 628 inmates have been released till date since March 20. Jharpada Jail has a capacity of 749 inmates while 670 inmates are there.
Amid the rise of coronavirus among the inmates in jail, earlier, the state government had sanctioned over Rs 50 crore to ensure hygiene and sanitation in 86 jails and staff quarters.
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