Nine prisoners have tested positive for COVID and are in isolation at the Tanumalala Prison.
This was confirmed by Acting Police Commissioner, Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo in response to questions from Radio Polynesia.
He said seven male prisoners and two female inmates have been isolated at the designated area for COVID treatment at the prison and are being monitored.
The Deputy Police Commissioner also confirmed that 22 prison guards were also tested positive as of yesterday and are also being isolated.
He said it’s unclear as to how they got COVID as the prison is on lockdown with guards camping at the prison, but suspects the day the prisoner’s failed attempt to break out of their jail cells was when they were exposed to a lot of Police Officers that responded.
Last week, Deputy Police Commissioner, Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga told Radio Polynesia 89 per cent of prisoners have all been fully vaccinated and awaiting their booster shots, but the new inmates, need to be vaccinated.
Adding they will make sure the inmates will get the necessary vaccine.
