KATHMANDU: The Department of Prison Management has said that more than 700 inmates in different prisons in the country have contracted the COVID-19.

Information Officer of the Department Devarshi Sapkota informed that eight of the infected people have died so far.

The highest number of six deaths has been reported at the Central Jail, Sundhara. Sapkota said that one person each died in Banke and Morang.

The department has been testing inmates and detainees with fever, cough and other possible symptoms.

High precautions have been taken by enforcing health safety measures to prevent the spread of the infection and even outdoor visits have been halted, said Information Officer Sapkota.