Some detainees at virus-hit Maafushi Prison transferred to home confinement

Some detainees at Maafushi Prison, where there is an outbreak of COVID-19, have been transferred to home confinement.

Maldives Correctional Service’s media official Aminath Yusreen Ahmed confirmed to Sun tonight that some detainees have been moved to home confinement as a safety measure.

“Some detainees have been moved to home confinement as a precautionary measure due to the COVID-19 situation. No further details can be disclosed at the moment,” she had said.

During a previous outbreak of COVID-19 at Maafushi Prison, high-risk detainees had been transferred to home confinement.

The latest outbreak at Maafushi Prison was detected after samples taken on January 13 came back positive for COVID-19. Emergency status was invoked at the prison the next day, prompting additional restrictions. 

In-person family visits, lawyer visits and court hearings have been suspended and changed to virtual meetings and hearings. 

At present, there are 78 active cases at Maafushi Prison; 66 detainees and 12 prison officers. Meanwhile, 215 detainees and three prison officers are undergoing quarantine.