Virus infiltrates Oshakati police holding cells

ONGWEDIVA – The Ministry of Health and Social Services was yesterday expected to continue with its targeted mass testing at the Oshakati police holding cells after 33 more inmates tested positive for Covid-19 this past weekend.

The police station commander, Chief Inspector Allo Matheus said 133 inmates were waiting to be tested.

The cells currently house 180 inmates. “Arrangements were done and we are expecting the ministry of health to conduct more tests amongst the inmates, as well as the officials who are working with the inmates,” said Matheus.

By yesterday, 34 inmates and two police officials had tested positive for Covid-19.

About 13 inmates who were previously tested are still waiting for results, Matheus said.

To curb the further spread of the virus, the inmates who have tested positive and those whose results are still pending have been isolated.

“When we get the results, we instantly separate the inmates from the rest who tested positive, while arrangements are being done to isolate them completely,” said Matheus.

Like many other cells in the country, Matheus said Oshakati is also overcrowded.

A week ago, New Era reported that an inmate at Oshakati had tested positive for Covid-19.

The inmate, who is on trial for murder at Oshakati High Court, tested positive on 17 September 2020.

The inmate was allegedly transported from Rundu to Oshakati on 5 September 2020.

He was swabbed earlier this month and his results came out positive on 17 September.

The Eenhana police holding cells were last week also placed under quarantine after 19 inmates there tested positive.

The regional commander, Commissioner Elizabeth Sibolile, said the cases might have infiltrated the cells after two inmates were taken for treatment at a local hospital.

- nashipala@nepc.com.na