The General Delegation for Prison Administration and Rehabilitation (DGAPR) decided to test all inmates at Ouarzazate prison in southern Morocco as part of preventative measures to confront the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision comes after positive cases among prison staff and inmates.
The testing of staff members was carried out in two groups. The first had 36 out of 61 employees testing positive, while in group two, 24 out of 65 tested positive. In addition, six out of 17 inmates tested have already confirmed infections.
After the first coronavirus cases were recorded in the country, human rights organizations demanded the release of a number of prisoners to avoid a possible surge in infections.
Earlier this month, King Mohammed VI pardoned at least 5,654 prisoners due to the extreme vulnerability of inmates.
The Justice Ministry said they were selected on the basis of their age, frail health, time spent in prison and good conduct.
Prison staff and inmates who contracted the virus will be required to follow treatment as advised by health authorities, and uninfected staff will be placed in quarantine and required to adhere to strict precautionary measures, according to DGAPR.
The General Delegation also decided to appoint a new director for Ouarzazate prison and mobilize sufficient number of employees from other institutions to compensate the shortage.
New prisoners will be put in a special section and examined by medical staff before taken to the cells. In addition, new inmates who declare they had been in direct contact with foreigners will be isolated for 14 days until their health status was confirmed.
DGAPR also expressed concern over the potential psychological impact of COVID-19 on detainees. Prisoners suffering from psychological stress during this time will receive online support.
