By Jibachha Yadav, Lahan, Sept. 11: As many as 59 jailbirds of Siraha prison have tested positive for COVID-19.

According to prison head, Babita Mahato, the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test of the swabs of 100 inmates was conducted after some inmates showed symptoms of mild cough and cold. Of the 100 swab samples, 59 reported COVID-19 positive, she said.

Mahato added that preparations were underway to perform PCR test of 598 inmates. Some 246 samples were collected on Thursday itself, she added.

“As it was difficult to maintain physical distancing with 598 prisoners accommodating in only 15 rooms, some 18 female prisoners have been sent to prison of other districts to set up an isolation center within the prison,” said Mahato.

Ram Chandra Thakur, coordinator of District Crisis Management Committee, Pradeep Raj Kandel, Chief District Officer of Siraha, Dev Kumar Yadav, central member of Federation of National Jouralists Siraha and member of the Committee and other human rights activists inspected the isolation center set up within the prison premises on Friday.

Coordinator Thakur said, “We are holding discussions with the concerned stakeholders to ensure maintenance of physical distancing, cleanliness, sanitisation and facilitate PCR tests with the prison.”

He added that the stakeholders had been striving to prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus.