Africa-Press – Lesotho. Maseru Central Correctional Institution received three thermal and optical BI-Spectrum network bullet cameras and 17 portable ultra-low capacity sprayers from the National COVID-19 Secretariat (NACOSEC), earmarked to assist in curbing the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic in correctional institutions. The equipment will also be distributed to other big correctional services in Leribe, Maseru and Mohale’s Hoek. Lesotho Correctional Service (LCS) Senior Assistant Commissioner Department of Health Phoka Scout said the equipment was included in the National Emergency Command
Centre (NECC) budget, before changing to NACOSEC. Scout noted that the correctional service institutions were included in the budget as institutions most likely to be affected by COVID-19 because of large numbers of inmates. The portable ultra-low capacity sprayer is used to fumigate the disinfectant environment and will be used to fumigate their offices including the prison cells.
He indicated that the thermal and optical BI-Spectrum network bullet cameras senses a person’s body temperature within a short time and is a quick temperature screening equipment.
“The camera will be placed at our main gate in order to take body temperature of every person coming into the institution,” he noted. He highlighted that the thermal camera is able to detect body temperatures of many people at the same time. “The three cameras will be distributed to all the three big correctional services while the portable ultra-low capacity sprayer will be distributed to all the correctional services in the country including the small ones,” he said. Deputy Minister of Health Hon.
Nto Moakhi said Maseru Central Correctional Institution has about 500 inmates and 300 staff members. “Covid-19 can spread faster in this kind of environment especially if people continue living their normal life without following the guidelines,” he said. He thanked the government of Lesotho for taking action on time regarding places like correctional services as these is not only going to save the lives of people living within the prison but it is also going to save the lives of the staff families. Minister of Justice, Law and Correctional Services Professor Nqosa Mahao thanked NACOSEC for the equipment, especially after receiving the report regarding the state of Correctional Services in the country. “This deadly virus which is known to be taking many lives by causing difficulty in breathing to its victims is very dangerous,” said Mahao. He further said the equipment they are receiving shows that they are ready to battle the
virus and they are grateful for it. Mahao said he hopes the equipment will be handled with care so that it can serve its purpose and protect the lives of people living in the correctional services.
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