This page contains links to Covid-19 in prisons news from various sources and is updated daily. Use the filters to view articles from different regions/topics or use the search box to look for articles based on key words. Please note that these articles are from external sources and may not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ICPA.
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Number of sick inmates considerably higher than revealed by Ministry of Justice: İHD
November 25, 2020
The Prisons Commission of Turkey’s Human Rights Association (İHD) in a press statement last Thursday said the number of sick inmates in Turkish prisons is considerably higher than revealed by the Ministry of Justice.
Lesotho- Prisons to grow own food as hunger bites
November 24, 2020
“(MENAFN – The Post) MASERU -THE Lesotho Correctional Services (LCS) has ventured into farming to tackle serious malnutrition among prisoners. Justice Minister Professor Nqosa Mahao told a press conference last week that some inmates were malnourished because of poor diet. ‘The ministry has decided to grow its own food to enhance nutrition in the correctional centres,’ Professor Mahao said.”
Mass solitary confinement in prisons is illegal, even in a pandemic
November 24, 2020
In an effort to keep COVID-19 out of Canada’s prisons, Correctional Services Canada is breaking Canadian and international law. For months, it kept Canada’s prison inmates in isolated lockdown, with little human contact, natural light or fresh air. As the second wave breaches our prison walls, we need to pay attention.
Prison population drops during pandemic
November 24, 2020
Pointing to a backlog of criminal cases during the coronavirus pandemic, state analysts say the number of inmates in Florida prisons has dropped — but is expected to snap back to more-normal levels in the coming years.
Eleven Wisconsin prisoners are dead from COVID-19. Protesters say Gov. Tony Evers should use clemency to reduce prison populations.
November 24, 2020
erome Dillard, Sister Barbara Pfarr and David Liners stood in sleet Tuesday outside the governor’s mansion, blocking the driveway and risking arrest to call attention to the spread of COVID-19 in Wisconsin prisons and the lack of a response from Gov. Tony Evers.
COVID-19 cases in prisons rises to 717; 35 new cases reported on Tuesday (24)
November 24, 2020
He said the number increased following the detection of COVID-19 cases from the Women’s Ward at the Welikada Prison.
HMP Durham taking ‘precautionary measures’ after number of positive Covid cases
November 24, 2020
Precautionary measures are being taken at HMP Durham after a number of positive Covid-19 cases within the prison. The prison service said they would “continue to closely monitor the situation” following reports of an outbreak.
Major Covid Outbreak Reported At Prison In Downtown Los Angeles
November 24, 2020
The Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles has quickly become a hot spot for coronavirus spread, with more than 200 inmates now actively infected with Covid-19, making for one of the largest active outbreaks in the U.S. prison system as all visits to the facility have now been called off.
Growing alarm among Saskatoon jail inmates as COVID-19 cases emerge, inmate says
November 24, 2020
Cory Charles Cardinal says there’s growing alarm on his unit at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre after hearing that three inmates and eight staff at the jail have active cases of COVID-19.
Inmate tells High Court of major health crisis at Chikurubi prison
November 24, 2020
Prisoner Tautai Dzodzo says the facility which was designed to carry 1,360 inmates currently has over 2,000 prisoners. At least 500 inmates share two toilets, but the prison complex has had no running water since November 8 following a power outage that has affected pumping.
Voting behind bars: Informing inmates a challenge for Saskatchewan advocates during pandemic
October 21, 2020
Ensuring incarcerated people are well-informed during election campaigns has always been a challenge. After all, there’s no door knocking or lawn signs in prison.
MPs call for prison reforms to prevent virus spread
October 20, 2020
TWO MPs in Penang will raise the need for prison reforms to prevent Covid-19 spreading like wildfire in overcrowded prison conditions.
Almost 150 inmates at Greater Manchester prison currently locked up for 24-hours-a-day because of Covid-19
October 20, 2020
“””They are being locked up like wild animals,”” she said. Bosses at Forest Bank prison in Agecroft confirmed 147 inmates on two wings are self-isolating due to an outbreak of the virus.”
Mini-émeute à la prison de Hull en raison du confinement
October 20, 2020
Des détenus de la prison de Hull à Gatineau ont manifesté avec fracas leur mécontentement dans la nuit de lundi à mardi en réaction au confinement imposé par la santé publique.
COVID-19 has infected more than 2,900 people in Wisconsin’s prisons. Should certain inmates be released to stop the spread?
October 20, 2020
Jessica Schaefer used to visit her boyfriend twice a week at Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution, a medium-security prison between Fond du Lac and Sheboygan.
Murphy: Releasing 2,800 Inmates Has Allowed for Safe Social Distancing in State Prison System
October 20, 2020
TRENTON, NJ – Struggling and impacted small businesses across the state aren’t getting any lifelines by the administration of Governor Phil Murphy, but after granting early release to 2,800 state prison inmates, the state’s prison population is getting a second round of COVID-19 stimulus.
Court Orders Immediate Release Or Transfer 1,700 San Quentin Prison Inmates Over COVID Outbreak
October 20, 2020
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) — A state appeals court ordered San Quentin State Prison on Tuesday to immediately cut its inmate population by half, which would require transferring or releasing about 1,700 inmates, citing the state’s inability to manage a deadly COVID-19 outbreak at the prison.
Coronavirus: Prison Fever
October 6, 2020
What measures are taken to guarantee the safety of all prisoners and prison staff? What are the consequences of the pandemic on the living conditions in prisons? Here is an overview.
Sask. Pen staff in isolation worked in areas where inmates present: CSC
October 6, 2020
The 29 staff members currently self-isolating at home after one employee at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary tested positive for COVID-19 includes people who would have been in areas where inmates are present.
UN rights chief urges Iran to release jailed human rights defenders, citing COVID-19 risk
October 6, 2020
According to the UN human rights office (OHCHR), conditions in Iranian prisons, suffering from chronic overcrowding and poor sanitary conditions, have worsened during the pandemic.
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