Buimo prison locked down

BUIMO Prison in Morobe’s Lae is on lockdown after several wardens and officers developed symptoms of the Coronavirus (Covid-19), acting commander Supt Fidelis Kaski says.
“The prison went into lockdown on Friday for another 14 days.
“The lockdown will be lifted only when the situation is back to normal, Covid-19 protocols must be observed,” he added.
He said the prison administration had managed to contain the situation and those affected were in stable condition.
“It is only the wardens and officers and their families who are at risk.
“The prisoners are not affected in their compound.
“But as a safety measure, we have not allowed them out,” he added.
Supt Kaski said prisoners were not allowed out to attend to their cases at the moment but arrangements could be made to have their cases heard in the Buimo court house.
“Judges and magistrates can liaise with judge administrators to seek an approval to have the court cases heard.
“Once an approval is sought, we can release those on remand to have their cases heard,” he added.
He said visits by families and friends to their loved ones were on hold until further notice.
“For those wanting to visit for other purposes, at the moment this may not be allowed as yet until the lockdown is lifted, probably, next week.”
He added that new detainees may be affected also during this time when the prison is in total lockdown.