Regular testing of prisoners and jail staff to be undertaken.
On 7th May, 2020 the Supreme Court directed authorities to be considerate to the concern of the inmates who fear being victims of the COVID virus. For this reason, the authorities must regular test all prisoners and jail staff and facilities should be available to treat all inmates.
Relevant extracts of the said order have been reproduced below-
“Some prisoners might not be willing to be released in view of their social background and the fear of becoming victims of the deadly virus. In such extraordinary cases, the authorities are directed to be considerate to the concerns of the inmates. The authorities are directed to ensure that proper medical facilities are provided to all prisoners who are imprisoned. The spread of Covid19 virus should be controlled in the prisons by regular testing being done of the prisoners but also the jail staff and immediate treatment should be made available to the inmates and the staff. It is necessary to maintain levels of daily hygiene and sanitation required to be improved. Suitable precautions shall be taken to prevent the transmission of the deadly virus amongst the inmates of prisons. Appropriate steps shall be taken for transportation of the released inmates of the prisons, if necessary, in view of the curfews and lockdown in some States. “
