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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Preparedness, prevention and control of COVID-19 in prisons and other places of detention: interim guidance, 8 February 2021 (produced by WHO/Europe)
March 1, 2021
The WHO Health in Prisons Programme has updated the interim “Guidance on Preparedness, prevention and control of COVID-19 in prisons and other places of detention”, first issued in March 2020.
COVID: Almost 1,000 prison inmates infected
December 1, 2020
Almost 1,000 inmates in Italy’s prisons are currently infected with the COVID-19 virus, the national penitentiary department said Tuesday.
HMP Lowdham Grange provides update on coronavirus cases inside prison
November 30, 2020
A Nottinghamshire prison hit by an outbreak of Covid-19 earlier this year has confirmed that the number of active cases has fallen dramatically.
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.
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.
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.”
Covid rules in prisons blocking rehabilitation, say UK campaigners
October 4, 2020
Coronavirus measures in prisons in England and Wales have in effect delayed the release of potentially thousands of prisoners by blocking chances for inmates to take part in rehabilitation activities required to progress their sentences, campaigners say.
HMP Preston is ‘severely overcrowded’ and distancing is virtually impossible according to recent report
October 1, 2020
Nearly all prisoners are receiving a restricted regime, with most still locked up for 22.5 hours a day, usually in shared cells not designed to hold more than one prisoner reliably.
Prison conditions in Turkey amid pandemic: ‘No ventilation, disinfectants, masks…’
October 1, 2020
The Civil Society in the Penal System (CİSST) Association has released a report regarding the complaints of prisoners about their conditions amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Deaths from natural causes in English and Welsh prisons ‘unacceptably high’
September 30, 2020
The number of deaths from natural causes on the prison estate is “unacceptably high”, a watchdog has warned, urging ministers to do more to allow inmates to be allowed out to die.
More prisoners self-harming at HMP Whatton following lockdown
September 29, 2020
A report on a prison says that the pandemic has resulted in more prisoners self-harming because of a ‘more restricted regime’.
Hidden heroes: prison officers are hailed for their initiatives during crisis
September 29, 2020
Northern Ireland’s prison officers have been praised for their initiatives to support prisoners and the wider community during the pandemic.
HMP Lowdham Grange in lockdown after Covid-19 outbreak
September 29, 2020
A Nottinghamshire prison has been put into lockdown after at least 40 cases of Covid-19 were confirmed among inmates and staff.
MoJ may extend use of prison video calls
September 28, 2020
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has indicated that it may extend the use of secure video calls from prisons in England and Wales.
Coronavirus – Covid-19 : “La pandémie a dégradé les conditions de vie des détenus” selon Prison Insider, à Lyon
September 28, 2020
La mission que s’est donnée Prison Insider, lors de sa mise en ligne, en 2016, c’est d’informer sur le sort des quelque 11 millions de détenus présents sur la planète, en fournissant des statistiques, mais aussi des témoignages et des éléments d’actualité sur le monde carcéral.
High Court challenge brought over reduction of prisoner visits due to Covid-19
September 28, 2020
A prisoner has brought a High Court challenge over restrictions on prison visits.
Scottish Prisons: Visits to restart in Scotland’s prisons with limits in place
September 27, 2020
Prisons in Scotland will now be allowing visitors after a temporary ban due to the rise in coronavirus cases.
Defendants with `winnable cases’ pleading guilty to get out of jail due to Covid-91 court delays
September 26, 2020
DEFENDANTS with `winnable cases’ are pleading guilty to criminal charges because court delays due to Covid-19 would see them spending longer in jail on remand than the maximum sentence if convicted.
LOCKUP LOCKDOWN Coronavirus Scotland: Prisons ban family visits again over new restrictions
September 24, 2020
Lags at nicks across the country were told by jail chiefs that physical meetings with loved ones were suspended following talks with the government.
Wandsworth Prison living conditions deemed unacceptable
September 23, 2020
The board praised the prison’s governor, Graham Barrett, and staff for their response to the Covid-19 lockdown and their commitment in challenging conditions.
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