The inmates of Salyan District Jail have demanded to test their PCR as the infection of COVID-19 is increasing.
They have demanded a PCR test as there is a risk of corona infection even in prisons from new inmates at since they are compelled to stay in the prison which has seven times more than their capacity.
Harilal Adhikari, the head of the prison, told INSEC representative over phone that it was necessary to test the PCR as it was not possible to maintain social distance due to overcrowding.
The Class D prison has a capacity of 20 inmates. But even if it can accommodate up to 40 people, there are now 148 people living together.
He said that he had sent a letter to the District Administration Office, Salyan, three weeks ago after the inmates repeatedly demanded PCR test but no information was received.
Chief District Officer Hemraj Tamang said that the inmates were not tested for swab as the government of Nepal had issued instructions not to examine anyone if they did not show any symptoms.
At present, there are 148 inmates including 23 women and 125 men in the jail, said Jailor KC. “There are only six rooms for men and two for women in the prison,” he said.
Jailer KC said that 22 men were forced to sleep outside the room due to the high pressure of the prisoners.