Maula Prison Faces Rising COVID-19 Cases as Outbreak Spreads Among Inmates

Authorities at Maula Prison have confirmed that the cases of Coronavirus are on the rise at the facility.

According to reports, at least fifteen inmates have tested positive for the virus.

This is a rise from the initial seven confirmed cases that were reported last weekend.

Speaking to the press, Chimwemwe Mike Shaba, national spokesperson for Malawi Prisons Service (MPS) said as a facility, they are monitoring the situation.

Shaba added that the infected inmates are in isolation where they are receiving the needed treatment adding that they are working to contain the outbreak from further spread.

However, he was not drawn to comment on whether the cases are to do with a new variant called XBB.1.5 which has been highly reported in South Africa in recent weeks.

So far, the facility has put in place strict measures to prevent the spread of the virus such as testing, social distancing, face masks, and sanitation protocols.