RAWALPINDI: The prison authorities have established emergency quarantine units in all jails across Punjab to protect the inmates from the coronavirus.

A separate ward/barrack having four rooms and eight beds has been established/designated in the jails with all necessary equipment, said the authorities.

In view of the current situation, the inspectorate of prisons Lahore has issued directions/preventive measures. The directions are being implemented through regional police officers and superintendent jails.

A control room has been established at the inspectorate of prisons to monitor the implementation of the directions.

A campaign has been conducted to aware the prisoners and staff regarding the precautionary measures.

Awareness sessions are also being conducted by medical officers/psychologists on a daily basis in different barracks and personal and general hygiene of prisoners and staff members is being ensured.

Furthermore, proper washing of clothing and bedding of jail hospitals is being ensured by adding disinfectant in water.

Chlorination of entire jails is also being done on a daily basis.

General/personal hygiene of the prisoners working in the jail kitchens is especially being ensured by providing masks, hand sanitisers and other disinfectant materials.

Infrared digital thermometers have been provided at main points for scanning and any ailment history of prisoners and staff is being ensured before entry into the jails.

Jail staff colonies have been screened and extra washbasins installed at important places in all jails, including administration blocks and jail hospitals.

In addition,face masks and gloves have been provided to the staff at necessary points. Multiple pana-flexes containing awareness informations and precautionary measures regarding the virus have been displayed in every corner of the jails.

Any kind of gathering of prisoners and staff has been restricted and prisoners are also being directed to keep distance while training of medical/paramedical staff of all jails has been conducted.

Unnecessary movement of officers and officials outside the jail premises has also been restricted while movement of prisoners inside the jails except in an emergency situation is also restricted.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2020