Inmates In UP Jails Join Fight Against Covid-19, Manufacture 16.53 Lakh Face Masks And Over 2,100 PPE Kits

The inmates of various jails across Uttar Pradesh (UP) have stitched more than 16 lakh face masks and manufactured over 2,100 personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and have been producing sanitizer over the span of last three-four months, reports Livemint.

Making the development public, the state government said, "Inmates of various jails in the state worked as corona warriors and extended their support in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic by making more than 16.53 lakh masks, and as many as 2,125 PPE kits".

In a bid to facilitate the task, the Prison Administration and Reforms Department installed sewing machines in the jails.

State's Additional Chief Secretary Awanish Awasthi said that the inmates are also making the sanitiser.

He said that owing to various steps taken by the administration, the COVID-19 cases were low in the jails.

Director General of the State's Department of Prison Administration and reforms Department, Anand Kumar shared that inmates were being served ayurvedic kadha and homoeopathic medicines to help boost their immunity.

So far, the administration has already tested over 8,272 inmates and 926 jail personnel for the Covid-19 infection.

"Of these, 37 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19, and they are undergoing treatment at COVID hospitals," Kumar said.