The coronavirus made its way into Lebanon’s dangerously packed Roumieh prison earlier this year and spread among the inmates.
Of a total of 1,807 PCR tests conducted to date, there were 549 positive cases recorded in Roumieh prison in addition to 30 positive cases in Beirut’s Justice Palace, according to the Internal Security Forces (ISF).
The ISF statement indicated that 498 inmates have fully recovered. This leaves at least 50 cases still rampant in the prison where over 3,000 prisoners live in poor and unsanitary conditions in crowded jail cells.
The coronavirus has also infiltrated other prisons in Lebanon, however at a more manageable rate than in the overpopulated Roumieh prison.
In Batroun’s prison, there are 4 positive cases and 17 recoveries. In Zahleh’s prison, there are 10 cases, all experiencing slight symptoms and 237 have recovered.
The ISF added that families of inmates that have tested positive can communicate through the prison phones.
Families of sick inmates can also contact the ISF through Facebook messenger to ask about the condition of their loved ones.
Lebanon is currently in the midst of a total 2-week lockdown with strict measures including a night curfew and driving restrictions.
However, the lockdown is expected to ease up as of Friday to allow some businesses to open.
We have a dedicated coronavirus section where you can find the latest news/updates about the pandemic in Lebanon, inform yourself with WHO-verified resources, and track the number of cases in Lebanon in real-time. Click here.
