Only 9 prison officers, 639 inmates receive treatment: Spokesman

Only nine COVID-19 positive prison officers and 639 prison inmates are receiving treatment as at today, Prison Spokesman Chandana Ekanayake said.

He said the number of COVID-19 positive prison inmates has decreased to 639.

"Only five deaths were reported. 2,850 inmates and 112 prison officers have recovered from the disease," he said.

Accordingly, 813 inmates have been found infected with the virus at the Welikada Prison and 827 in Magazine prison. 745 inmates found to have been infected in the Mahara Prison and 391 inmates in Colombo. Only 58 inmates reported from the Negombo prison, he said.

At present, only nine prison officers still under treatement, he said.

"Four male prison inmates have been found today, but no COVID positive prison officers, male prison inmates or suspected female inmates were found among them," Mr. Ekanayake said.

Moreover, the Prison Spokesman said 121 prison officers have been found COVID-19 positive till this date. 

"397 prison inmates and nine female prison inmates have been detected until now, while 2,897 suspected male and 191 female inmates recorded up to this date," he said.

Finally, the prison spokesman said a total number of 3,615 prison officers and inmates found to have been infected so far. (Chaturaga Samarawickrama)