FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: In what could depict negligent attitude of the jail officials, some staff with symptoms of COVID-19 continue to perform their duty risking lives of their colleagues and 560-odd inmates.
The Colvale Central Jail has already reported close to a dozen positive cases until last week.
Sources told Herald that one jail guard has allegedly succumbed to COVID-19 just recently while three are either in home quarantine or undergoing treatment at COVID-19 care centers.
However, few others on duty are showing mild symptoms like cough and fever. It is not certain whether authorities are allowing their entry pending report or the staff is forced to work, as sources state, the jail is facing acute staff shortage.
“They are not being relieved since the present staff is overburdened. In any case, three shifts have been converted into one shift, which means each staff is working 24 hours. As per the COVID-19 rules, a person should be isolated pending test report but the jail authorities are helpless. Therefore, the staff is asked to report on duty until the COVID-19 report is positive,” said a source.
Herald tried contacting the jail officials but none were available for a comment despite attempts. The jail reported around 11 cases -- two inmates -- till the last week whereas the medical officer, who had also contracted the virus, has recovered.
The jail also reported assault on an official, however, it is not known if a complaint has been filed in this regard.
