The Centre has asked all states to take precautions against a COVID-19 outbreak in jails and correctional homes and ensure proper hygiene at such facilities.
In a communication to all states and Union Territories, theHome Ministry said the novel coronavirus is a global health crisis and hasaffected a huge population the world over.
The virus which causes the disease is highly infectious andeven pre-symptomatic people can infect others, and any person who is in closecontact with someone who has suspected or confirmed COVID-19 is at risk ofcontracting the disease, it said.
“People in prisons and other places of detention,living in closed and crowded environment, are likely to be more vulnerable tothe coronavirus disease,” the Home Ministry said.