ICRC Supports Bangladesh Effort to Prevent Covid-19 Outbreaks in Prisons

The International Committee of the Red Cross said that it is increasing its pandemic assistance to the Bangladesh government agency that oversees jails.

The international aid organization has donated tents, disinfection materials, and PPE equipment to the Prison Directorate, and set up hygiene facilities, all in an attempt to prevent the spread of Covid-19 among prison inmates and staff.

Prisons are highly vulnerable to the spread of the viral disease, and the ICRC has focused its efforts on preventing and controlling infections. Sixty-eight prisons received two batches of sanitation and hygiene materials in April and May. Prior to that the prisons acquired 135 infrared thermometers for medical screenings. The ICRC has also set up Covid-19 isolation centers within the jails that can be used as quarantine sites. The organization is currently working on a 70-bed facility at the central jail.