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Mozambique: There are no Covid-19 cases in penitentiaries, says govt
3:21 CAT | 05 Feb 2021
Photo: O País
Filimão Swazi, Deputy Minister of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs, has said that to date no Covid-19 cases have been diagnosed in the country’s penitentiary establishments, but that, in the event of an outbreak, prisons are in a position to quickly create isolation centres.
Overcrowding in national prisons is a persistent problem, even with the recent presidential pardons, but they are still free from the new coronavirus.
“So far, we have no record of contamination. In the last decree, there was a relaxation in measures to allow very limited visits, allowing us effective control,” Swazi said.
If Covid-19 is detected, prisons are in a position to quickly create isolation centres and offer the necessary treatment.
“We have no problems at the prison level. If we have to install tents to isolate the sick so that they can have adequate treatment without putting the health of others at risk, this may be considered. There will be no difficulty removing prisoners with symptoms,” the deputy minister said.
In fact, this is already penitentiary practice. Anyone with a cough or other symptoms that suggest coronavirus “is isolated until their condition is confirmed”.
For now, the number of visitors remains very limited, this Thursday being reduced to just one a month under the new guidelines announced by the President.
“The greatest concern that the Ministry and the National Prison Service have is contamination in prisons. That is why all measures are being taken to counter this possibility,” Swazi added.
The minister was speaking on the sidelines of an International Day of Human Fraternity event attended by various religious congregations and civil society organisations.
By Dario Cossa
Source: O País
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