Thanks to the preventive measures taken by the DGAPR at the right time and with the required effectiveness to prevent the transmission of the virus in penitentiary establishments, the number of cases of contamination among inmates is limited to only two, a very low figure compared to the total number of inmates, which stands at 80,000, explained the delegation in a statement.

 The same applies to prison officials, since the number of cases of coronavirus infection is limited to nine, which is much lower than the current number in this category (10,200 officials), added the same source.

The DGAPR noted that as part of the preventive anti-coronavirus measures, it has quarantined prison officials within penitentiary institutions, adding that it has also set up a system of rotation between two groups, each working for two successive weeks.

 To prevent the transmission of coronavirus infection to the prison population, all new inmates are examined, the statement said.

 Since the discovery of the first cases of contamination, the DGAPR has stepped up precautionary measures to protect the prison population and mobilized its central and regional services as well as the administrations of penitentiary establishments with a view to better implementation of these provisions in full coordination with the competent health and administrative authorities.

These measures are essentially based on the periodic complete sterilization of all the dependencies of the institutions by specialized companies and the distribution of a sufficient number of protective masks to officials, food company staff and inmates, while stressing the obligation to wear them, noted the statement, adding that prison officials have also been provided with protective clothing.