Prison bars. Photo: Flickr/Mark Hillary
Correctional Services confirms another 15 COVID-19 cases
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases within Correctional Services has risen to over 200.
Prison bars. Photo: Flickr/Mark Hillary
The Department of Correctional Services reported 15 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, which takes the total to 213.
The Western Cape and the Eastern Cape account for all of the new infections.
More coronavirus cases reported in SA prisons
This was confirmed by department spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo on Monday.
“The Department of Correctional Services can confirm a total of 15 new positive cases for COVID-19. Two provinces in particular are the major contributors which is the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape.
“This is taking us to 213 positive cases. But key to highlight is that 91 people have recovered. We will continue as a department to ensure that containment measures are in place and prevention remains key in all our action.”
Of the 213 cases, 124 are officials working in prisons and provincial offices, while 89 prisoners have been infected.
The department also reports that 91 people have recovered from the virus, while three have died.
The death toll at Correctional Services is made up of two officials and one inmate. Two of the three deaths reported come from the Eastern Cape, with one death in the Western Cape still under investigation.
Measures taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19
In an effort to ease overcrowding in South African prisons, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced last week that 19 000 prisoners are set to be released on parole to reduce the risk of the virus’ transmission.
“The decision taken by the president to combat the spread of Covid-19 in correctional centres could relieve our correctional services facilities of just under 19 000 inmates out of a population of 155 000,” read a statement by the Presidency.
“The parole dispensation will apply to low-risk inmates who have passed their minimum detention period or will approach this period in the coming five years.”
Prisoners eligible for parole exclude those convicted of serious crimes such as murder, armed robbery, rape and others.
South Africa has 10 015 COVID-19 cases, with 194 deaths from the virus.
