COVID-19 Detected in Inmate at 'Kosh' Penitentiary

On June 4, 2020, a sample was taken from an inmate at the 'Kosh' penitentiary of the Ministry of Justice due to suspected infection with the new type of coronavirus (COVID-19). Following a positive result from the examination, the inmate was transferred to the 'Inmate Hospital' correctional institution of the Ministry of Health.

During the transfer, both the inmate and the accompanying staff were provided with personal protective equipment, including masks, gloves, and special attire. At the ‘Inmate Hospital’, the inmate was placed in a specially designated compartment that is equipped and technologically advanced.

For security reasons, preventive measures have been implemented, and all individuals held at the 'Kosh' penitentiary have been tested; all results came back negative.

It should be noted that since April, as part of preventive comprehensive measures aimed at isolating potential patients, the Ministry of Justice had urgently constructed a foyer for decontamination and disinfection at the entrances of two wings of the 'Inmate Hospital'. Additionally, the tuberculosis and narcology wings of the 'Inmate Hospital' were completely emptied in case they needed to be used exclusively as quarantine zones for the prevention of coronavirus infection. The two designated wings together provide up to 150 beds.

Issued by the Information and Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia.