Sakchi jail, which has been closed since 2008, will soon be converted into a quarantine centre for prisoners, to reduce the risk of other jail inmates getting infected with the Covid-19 virus.

Currently, prisoners suspected to have Covid-19 have to undergo 21-days quarantine at an isolation centre on the campus of Ghaghidih Central Jail at Karandih on the city outskirts.

From next week, all accused of different cases, convicts and prisoners from other districts, who all are referred to Ghaghidih Central Jail, will first have to undergo 21-days quarantine at Sakchi jail.

The superintendent of Ghaghidih Central Jail, Satyendra Prasad Choudhary, told The Telegraph Online on Wednesday, “I had inspected the abandoned Sakchi jail on Tuesday evening. We will ensure accomodation for around 200 prisoners at the new quarantine centre.”

He said the decision was taken to reduce the risk of other inmates getting infected.

Soon after cases of Covid-19 were reported from East Singhbhum district, nine rooms at the central jail were used as a quarantine centre.

District civil surgeon Dr Maheshwar Prasad said none of the prisoners have so far tested positive.

“The Sakchi jail will work as an independent quarantine centre. Arrangements will be made to keep at least 200 prisoners,” he said.

East Singhbhum has been witnessing a spurt in Covid-19 cases.

On Tuesday, 10 new cases were reported from various parts of the district, taking the total count to 193.