By: Monelisi Sigabi
The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases at the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in the Eastern Cape is now standing at 414 infections, with 55 officials and 359 inmates infected. The centre also recorded 65 recoveries and two deaths.
477 inmates were tested at East London on 5 May 2020, and the first batch of results was released on 11 May 2020, confirming 103 positive cases, 78 testing negative and 277 results remained outstanding.
In a statement, the DCS confirmed that 178 of the 277 inmates also tested positive which shows an increase in East London.
1 087 specimens of inmates were collected on 16 May 2020 and the department will continue with this process moving forward.
The DCS added that oversight visits indicate that correctional centres are complying with the protocols on COVID-19.
The first coronavirus cases in Correctional Services were confirmed on 12 April by Minister Ronald Lamola, where 23 officials and 3 inmates tested positive for COVID-19.
The country has recorded 15515 confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Hereunder, a total breakdown of COVID-19 cases at the Department of Correctional Services:
Eastern Cape – 414
Officials – 55
Inmates – 359
Recoveries – 65
Death cases – 2
Western Cape – 134
Officials – 109
Inmates – 25
Recoveries – 31
Death cases – 2
Limpopo – 2
Officials – 2
Inmates – 0
Recovery – 1
Gauteng – 16
Officials – 7
Inmates – 9
Recovery – 1
Northern Cape
Officials – 2
Department spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo said they will continue to separate newly admitted inmates from other inmates for 14 days.