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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Alarm over five suicides in six days at prisons in England and Wales
May 28, 2020
Five suicides have been recorded in prisons in England and Wales in just six days, the Guardian understands, fuelling fears that a highly restrictive regime in place to combat the spread of the coronavirus is having a devastating impact on inmates.
Experience of health professionals, police staff and prisoners in Italy informs WHO COVID-19 guidelines for prisons
May 28, 2020
The experience of doctors in Italy has contributed to the preparation of WHO’s guidance on preparedness, prevention and control of COVID-19 in prisons and other places of detention.
Coronavirus has exacerbated the problems with Wales’ overcrowded prisons
May 27, 2020
COVID-19 has exposed many weaknesses in Wales. One such weakness that does not, in my opinion, receive enough attention is the Welsh prison system.
Dramatic leap in prison staff reported with Covid after MoJ change reporting method
May 27, 2020
There has been a dramatic leap in the number of prison staff reported with Covid-19 after the Minsirty of Justice provided a ‘more robust way’ of reporting cases. It was reported last night that 873 staff have tested positive across 104 prisons.
Who Talks Wears the Mask’: Eight Prisoners Given One Mask at Bayburt Prison, Says HDP MP
May 26, 2020
Authorities are not implementing appropriate measures against the Covid-19 outbreak at Bayburt Type-M Prison, according to Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Batman MP Feleknas Uca.
Coronavirus Crisis Causes Strain on Prisons in Spain as Centre in Andalucía’s Cordoba Experiences Aggressive Brawl
May 26, 2020
The coronavirus crisis has undoubtedly affected the entire world and prisons in Spain are not exempt from this intense pressure, as a correctional centre in Andalucia’s Cordoba experiences a violent brawl.
Recovery from prison lockdown will take up to 18 months
May 26, 2020
The 23-hour lockdown of prisoners will be eased slowly over a “recovery period” lasting 12 to 18 months, Prison Service chiefs have disclosed in private briefings.
Opnieuw bezoek in gevangenissen: fysiek contact betekent 14 dagen preventieve isolatie
May 25, 2020
Na 74 dagen waarin enkel telefonisch contact mogelijk was, is fysiek bezoek opnieuw mogelijk. Gedetineerden die recht hebben op zogenaamd ‘tafelbezoek’, beslissen zelf van wie ze bezoek wil ontvangen
Nearly 1,000 Russian federal prison authority’s staff, over 200 inmates contract COVID-19
May 25, 2020
Nearly 1,000 staff of the Federal Penitentiary Service and 238 inmates have contracted the coronavirus, the Russian prison authority’s press service told TASS on Monday.
Contagion risk in Turkish prisons feared
May 24, 2020
The death of a Turkish prisoner from COVID-19 in Istanbul’s Silivri Prison on Friday has put the health conditions of Turkish prisons under the spotlight again, with inmates under increased risk.
Confirmed Clare COVID-19 cases increases to 319
May 22, 2020
No inmates of Irish prisons have been diagnosed with COVID-19, Dr Glynn confirmed. Any case associated with the Irish Prison Service is that of employees.
19 offenders from HMP Edinburgh released early under Covid-19 rules
May 19, 2020
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has allowed 19 offenders from HMP Edinburgh to walk free, as part of an early release scheme designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Coronavirus: Measures set in force by the Correctional Service
May 19, 2020
As of 19 May 2020, ten staff members of the correctional service have been infected by the Corona virus. Nine cases of Corona virus has been registered among inmates / convicted persons. Six of the cases are inmates in Bastøy prison.
Prisoners with coronavirus symptoms could not shower for two weeks – report
May 18, 2020
Prisoners with coronavirus symptoms were locked in cells for up to two weeks without being allowed out to shower, according to a report. The findings emerged following inspections of conditions in three jails – Wandsworth in south London, Altcourse in Liverpool, and Elmley on the Isle of Sheppey.
Addict lost rehab place over Covid-19
May 18, 2020
A 49-year-old man out on temporary release from prison found that his place on a drug rehabilitation programme was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions and he fell back on his old ways within four days.
Scots prisons breach human rights during lockdown
May 18, 2020
Conditions in Scots prisons during the coronavirus outbreak are breaching human rights. The Scottish Human Rights Commission has written to the Justice Committee at the Scottish Parliament to highlight concerns about measures being taken in prisons during the covid-19 pandemic.
Sixth prisoner death in Scotland linked to coronavirus
May 15, 2020
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed the death of HMP Perth inmate Alex Drysdale on Friday.
498 high-security prisoners out
May 14, 2020
Rome, May 14 – Italian surveillance magistrates have released for health reasons amid the coronavirus emergency a total of 498 prisoners incarcerated under the harsh ’41 bis’ regime for mafiosi or otherwise in high security, Justice Minister Alfonso Bonafede said Thursday.
Applauderer fengselsansatte under korona
May 13, 2020
Denne uka ble Norsk Fengsels og friomsorgsforbund (NFF) med på en internasjonal kampanje, #WeApplaud, for å hylle ansatte i kriminalomsorgen sin rolle under koronapandemien.
Huge rise in seized contraband ‘throw-overs’ as prison visits cancelled due to Covid-19
May 12, 2020
Prison sources reveal that, in Limerick prison alone over the past 10 days, the amount of drugs and phones seized after being thrown over prison walls amounts to around six months’ worth of detections in normal times.
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