A total of 101 people have tested positive for Covid-19 at Grey Prisons in Bulawayo. The number comprises of 76 prisoners and 25 correctional officers.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube confirmed the Grey Prison development with Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) though she did not specify the number of cases at the prison.
“I have just verified with them, they are also at loss. I will be having a meeting with relevant offices tomorrow,” the minister said.
According to Southern Eye, the cases were confirmed yesterday and sources told the publication that 76 inmates and 25 correctional officers tested positive for COVID-19.
ZPCS spokesperson Superintendent Meya Khanyezi said she was still gathering the statistics and would call back before the end of the day..
Bulawayo has since leaped over all other provinces in the number of Covid-19 cases recorded.
Sources that spoke to Southern Eye revealed the prisoners were not provided with face masks and hand sanitisers and do not have adequate bedding for the winter.
The development comes after the government closed Zvishavane Hospital after 29 health workers tested positive for Covid-19.
Midlands Provincial Affairs minister Larry Mavima said the authorities are in the process of tracing contacts of the infected health workers and are also investigating the source of the infections.
Read More: Chaos as villagers supervise exams, schools charge USD invigilation fees
“On the 13th of July 2020, Zvishavane district hospital received eight PCR positive results of which two were for health care workers. These results prompted the testing of other healthcare workers and other probable contacts within the hospital on the same day. The hospital received the results today 19 July 2020 and 25 out of 28 health care workers tested positive,” he said.
Read More: Harare Mayor arrested over stands allocation
The government has since directed all tertiary institutions to close down campus services as some institutions recorded Covid-19 cases. Students will be required to vacate college and university premises by the 24th of July.
Buy and Sell for free on Vacancy Mail Classifieds