Eight more inmates tested positive
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - PRISON officials are working around the clock to ensure that they combat the spread of the Coronavirus within Her Majesty’s Prison in Basseterre, as the positive numbers have increased over the weekend.
SKNVibes has learnt that the number of prisoners that tested positive for COVID-19 increased by eight over the weekend, and officials are awaiting the results of more inmates and staff members.
In an invited comment, Superintendent of Prisons Terrence James confirmed that there are currently nine positive cases among inmates within the facility, while there has been no uptick in the earlier reported number of staff members who have the virus.
On Friday (June 11), this media house reported that one inmate had contracted the virus while another, who occupied the same cell, had complained of feeling unwell.
The virus is suspected to have entered the facility through two staff members who had reportedly tested positive.
The Superintendent confirmed to this media house that they are awaiting results for 10 samples sent for testing, which could be received at any time.
Efforts are being made to ensure that all staff members and inmates receive at least one test within coming days, as concerns grow within the facility.
This may be hamstruck as there are protocols, SKNVibes understands, that must be followed before the samples are taken. But James noted he and other officials are still working with the Task Force and the Chief Medical Officer to ensure that testing is indeed carried out.
The prison is currently under lockdown from the public and all inmates are confined to their cells to restrict movement.
Those infected persons are said to be in insolation as they recover.
However, staff and inmates are urged to follow the protocols to the best of their ability as the prison is deemed a vulnerable location because of its size.
Staff and inmates are subjected to temperature checks and other protocols to stem the virus from further spreading in the Basseterre facility.
