[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] One person released from Seoul Eastern Detention Center tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
According to the Ministry of Justice on the 16th, as of 8 a.m. that day, the cumulative number of confirmed cases related to correctional facilities nationwide was 1,256, an increase of one from 6 p.m. the previous day. Currently, there are 742 people in self-quarantine, including 708 inmates and 34 staff members, while 349 people have been released from quarantine, including 334 inmates and 15 staff members. Additionally, there are 165 released inmates.
By institution, Eastern Detention Center has the highest number with 451 cases. This is followed by Gyeongbuk Northern 2 Prison with 237 cases, Gwangju Prison with 15 cases, Seoul Southern Prison with 1 case, and Seoul Detention Center with 4 cases.
In particular, 20 confirmed inmates from Southern Prison and 1 confirmed inmate from Yeongwol Prison were transferred to Eastern Detention Center the previous day. These inmates were originally incarcerated at Eastern Detention Center and were transferred according to the policy of dispersed incarceration. After the transfer, they tested positive in additional tests.
The Ministry of Justice plans to transfer inmates who tested positive after transfer back to Eastern Detention Center to prevent further infections at the receiving prisons and manage them there.
Meanwhile, on the 14th, the Ministry of Justice granted parole to about 970 inmates nationwide whose sentences were finalized. This measure was taken to prevent additional group infections of COVID-19. The targeted individuals included those with underlying diseases, elderly inmates, and model prisoners. Those serving life or long-term sentences, as well as offenders involved in sexual violence, drunk driving, and other socially disruptive crimes, were excluded. Among the targeted individuals, 16 confirmed cases were sent to residential treatment facilities or quarantined at home considering the initial outbreak dates, and non-confirmed individuals were advised to refrain from going out for two weeks.
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