Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, Correctional Services has put in place strict measures to combat the rapid spread of the highly infectious disease that has caused global panic.
More than 4 000 offenders were screened, and 1 164 tested, during a recent mass screening and testing session at Leeuwkop Management Area, Gauteng Region.
A total of 754 officials were also screened, and 119 tested. Head of Corporate Services, Mr Bafana Mashego commended the cooperation and willingness of officials to test and know their status. “We cannot be ignorant about Covid-19. We must encourage screening and testing continuously, and create more awareness amongst ourselves and others about this disease,” he added.
Health Operations Manager, Ms Gloria Mashiyane expressed the importance of taking care of others by taking care of oneself through applying basic protective measures, such as proper washing of hands, in reducing the spread of the disease. Items such as hand sanitizers and soap have been made available for inmates to use in the units, and offenders are regularly engaged during awareness sessions to play their part in slowing the spread of the virus within correctional centres.
Acting Area Commissioner, Mr Mokhemi Molefe stated that Leeuwkop currently has only one positive case of an official and no offenders confirmed positive. He welcomed the assistance of different stakeholders, who continuously provide support to Leeuwkop through various programmes. “The health and well-being of officials and inmates is our priority, and, as officials, we need to be extra careful to ensure that we do not put others at risk by applying the necessary measures put in place at our respective work places,” he said.
Molefe said the ultimate goal is to enable the management area to be always abreast of the reality of its status, in order to effectively deal with the after effects and hopefully stop the spread of the disease.
