Correctional homes across south Bengal districts have made bath with medicated soap mandatory for new inmates as a measure to tackle the novel coronavirus.

The new norm is also applicable for existing prisoners also if they go out of the jail for medical check-up or any other reason.

“We made it mandatory that every inmate who enters the ward will have to take a bath with medicated soap. The decision has been taken in conformity with the guidelines of the health department,” said Abdullah Kamal, superintendent of Suri correctional home.

Suri jail officials, however, said they were not asking the inmates to take a bath if they arrived after the dusk. But the boarders have to change their dress, wash their hand and legs and apply sanitisers before entering the jail compound.

“Those who are entering the jail after evening are being kept in isolation till the next morning,” said an official.

However, a few correctional homes like the one in Burdwan have made bath mandatory for all newcomers even if they come at the night.

“It is mandatory for every inmate who enters the jail to take a bath. Normally, the new inmates come before evening but the rule is the same irrespective of the hour of arrival,” said Ashis Banik, jailer of Burdwan correctional home.

The correctional homes have also been directed to follow guidelines which include avoiding body contact with prisoners and outsiders.

“We have asked the visitors to maintain a distance of at least five feet from the bar when they talk with the inmates. All articles that come from the homes of the inmates would be sanitised before they are handed over to the prisoners,” said a senior jail official.