Family, conjugal visits suspended in prisons

Maldives Correctional Service has imposed a temporary suspension on all family and conjugal visits for prison inmates.

Maldives Correctional Service imposed the suspension on visitations this Thursday, effective immediately.

The suspension will cover visits to Male’ Prison, K. Maafushi Prison and Asseyri Prison in Hinmafushi, as well as suspects in police detention.

The move is a precautionary measure against the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) outbreak in the country.

Schools, colleges and universities have been closed down and people have been warned against travelling and gathering in public spaces until the high health alert level is revoked.

Latest statistics released by Health Protection Agency show 335 people have been screened for H1N1 influenza, out of whom 105 people have tested positive.

Two people have with H1N1 have dies so far; a 26-year-old man and a 51-year-old woman.