State bans ‘outside catering’ for inmates

GOVERNMENT has banned people from taking food to Correctional facilities in the wake of the cholera outbreak in Lusaka, Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo has said.

Mr Kampyongo has also directed all police officers in charge of police stations to en- sure that holding cells are kept clean all the time.

Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Kampyongo said the decision to ban people from taking food to inmates was meant to prevent cholera from spreading to Correctional facilities.

Mr Kampyongo said food from outside would not be allowed as some of the food might be coming from cholera-prone areas.

He said said external movements of inmates has also been prohibited until further notice as well as the transfer of inmates from one facility to another.

Mr Kampyongo said screening of all new admissions with particular attention to signs and symptoms of cholera had been intensified. "No food from outside the correctional facilities whether from visitors or officers’ quarters shall be allowed. All officers shall maintain high levels of hygiene and cleanliness in the camps and residential areas," Mr Kampyongo said.

Mr Kampyongo said officers and inmates had been sensitised on the prevention of cholera and hand washing facilities would be provided at the gate and visitor's bays.