The treatment for the Covid-19 virus usually entails isolation from others, but it very rarely involves getting whacked on the butt with a thick cane.
But that’s exactly what one prison inmate from Sri Lanka is getting.
Prison Inmate With Covid-19 Jailed For Overstaying
Ok, so he’s not getting caned because he contracted the coronavirus, of course.
The 21-year-old Sri Lankan had arrived in Singapore on a social pass in January this year, before border restrictions were imposed.
In an interview with CNA, the Singapore Prison Service said that the prison inmate had been admitted to Changi Prison Complex as a remand prisoner, and was sentenced to four weeks’ imprisonment and three strokes of the cane for the offence of overstaying via video-conferencing.
Those accused of overstaying have remained in Singapore beyond the expiration of their pass or permit.
Then, six days after his sentencing, the 21-year-old tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday (18 June).
As part of new Covid-19 measures, all new prison inmates have to undergo a swab test and a 14-day segregation before they’re allowed to join the general prison population.
The Sri Lankan tested negative when he was first admitted into the prison, and had been asymptomatic since.
But he was later detected to have the coronavirus while he was still in segregation. The two other inmates who were admitted on the same day as him have tested negative.
The inmate is not linked to the four previous Covid-19 cases at Changi Prison.
And it’s also unknown how he contracted the virus.
Can He Still Be Caned?
You’re probably wondering, can he still be caned if he has Covid-19?
Well, the inmate has remained asymptomatic, so he currently does not require medication or treatment, SPS said.
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He will undergo a medical review to assess if he’s medically fit, and whether he’s recovered from the coronavirus, before he’s caned.
Things Can Go Bad Again
Fortunately, the days of over 1,000 daily infections seem to be behind us; Singapore reported 218 new infections yesterday, bringing the total to 41,833.
Only two of the 218 are community cases.
The country entered Phase 2 on Friday (19 June), with many uncles and aunties gleefully eating their Wanton Mee and Prata at the coffee shop.
But the authorities have warned us not to be as social as we used to be, because the general population is still vulnerable to the virus.
Need proof that we still have to be careful?
Over two weeks ago, New Zealand Prime Minister declared her country virus-free, and people all over the world celebrated because a nation had finally defeated Covid-19.
But the jubilation was premature.
The country has recently recorded three new Covid-19 cases, after it eased all coronavirus-related restrictions.
So, if you’re wondering why the Singapore government is lifting restrictions so slowly, it’s because they know how easily the coronavirus can ravage the country again.
The circuit breaker and Phase 1 are now things we only think about if they come up in our nightmares, but they could easily return if infections spike.
So, eat your Chendol at the coffee shop, sure, but don’t go overboard with your socialising.
At least right now.
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