Belize Central Prison Suspends Inmate Visits Indefinitely
Tonight, there are no known cases of the coronavirus within the walls of the Belize Central Prison and prison authorities want to keep it that way. So Kolbe Foundation has gone into high gear to impose measures to keep the inmates free of the virus. Today was the last day for visitors prior to a suspension of these visits. As an added measure, health officials have been called in to carry out random testing. Here is Isani Cayetano with a report.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
The Belize Central Prison has wasted no time implementing stringent measures to prevent the introduction of COVID-19 behind its walls. As of August thirteenth, at one p.m., visitors will no longer be allowed to call on inmates. Instead, they will only be allowed to deposit monies with an entrusted officer at the main entrance.
Virgilio Murillo
Virgilio Murillo, C.E.O., Kolbe Foundation
“Thursday is the last day, it means that once Friday kicks in at midnight, you just cannot come and visit. So you can certainly still come and do cash drop-offs or cash deposits because we will have one person out there receiving all cash and making deposits into the inmates’ personal accounts so they could continue to purchase. Activities within the prison remain unabated, we’ll definitely be pushing on with all our programs that we are currently doing because in the prison, as we speak currently, we don’t have any case of COVID-19, as far as we are concerned.”
All efforts are therefore being made to keep the facility COVID-free. Outside the compound at midday, visitors joined a snaking queue, braving the scorching sun for a final opportunity to see their loved ones.
Virgilio Murillo
“Social distancing is very hard to do in a prison setting because of the very nature and conditions and the way inmates cohabit which is in cells. Actually I had wanted to do it at least a week before, however, visits definitely have a positive impact on inmates and the last thing any director of a prison would want to do is to restrict visits because they look forward to visits for whatever reason, whether it’s just to see their loved ones or for them to drop off a plate of food or cash so that they can purchase from the commissary.”
With a hundred and seventy-six active cases of coronavirus across the country, the need to execute these new measures is ever important. According to Murillo, a proactive approach now prevents a sudden response later.
Virgilio Murillo
“You will realize that the number of cases skyrocketed let’s say within the last week. Last night, by itself, we had thirty-three new cases identified. So I am glad that I went ahead and imposed the notice so that people don’t get caught off-guard. I didn’t want any knee-jerk reaction, but I think it is the most prudent thing for any prison director to do in light of what is happening currently in Belize.”
Back in the line, all visitors are subjected to additional precautions, including the mandatory use of face masks, hand washing and social distancing.
Virgilio Murillo
“Well firstly, I believe everyone of them were wearing masks because we insist that they have to come to the prison with a mask on, and not only wear a mask but they will wear it properly. They have to ensure that their noses and mouths are covered because some people tend to want to have it under their noses and secondly they have to do their hand washing and they have to practice social distancing because if you notice I do have Xs on the outside their in the parking lot where they can at least social distance by six feet, no less.”
To be extra safe, health officials have been called in to carry out random testing within the prison population, despite the absence of the dreaded disease within the confines of the prison.
Virgilio Murillo
“We have asked the Ministry of Health to come in and just do a random testing just to double check and make sure that we are okay.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Isani Cayetano.
