This page provides guidance for visitors and the families and
friends of those in prison in England and Wales during the
coronavirus pandemic. It will be updated as new advice
becomes available.
Prison visits in England and Wales
Prisons in England and Wales are closed to visitors today
(24 March) while we ensure the safe and secure functioning
of our prisons, while enforcing social
distancing.
Staying at home is how we reduce the number of people
needing hospital treatment at any one time, so we can
protect the NHS’s ability to cope and save more
lives.
There are a number of other ways to contact someone in
prison if you are unable to visit them. For example you
might be able to leave a voice message using
the Prison Voicemail
Service or send them an email using
the email a
prisoner service. You can also write to
them.
There are also a number of other
helplines that can provide guidance.
Coronavirus in prisons: confirmed cases
There is one confirmed case of coronavirus at each of the
following prisons:
Check Prison Finder for
details on what we’re doing to keep staff and prisoners safe.
Prisons and coronavirus: the latest situation
Prisons have been working closely with Public Health and NHS
services to put robust contingency plans in place. The plans
prioritise the safety of staff, prisoners and visitors while
ensuring that there is as little disruption as possible to
normal prison regimes, including visits.
Existing, well-developed procedures are in place to manage
outbreaks of infectious diseases and prisons are prepared if
cases are identified. Plans are in place for dealing with
staff absences if staff working in prisons need to
self-isolate.
Handwashing facilities are available to prisoners, staff and
visitors and we have worked closely with suppliers to ensure
the supply of soap and cleaning materials.
How we will update you about the impact of coronavirus on
prisons
If there are changes to the general advice for visitors or
the operation of the prison system, we will:
- Update advice on this guidance page
- Issue updates on Twitter @HMPPS and @MoJGovUK
If there are changes to the operation of individual prisons,
you can stay up to date by:
- Going to the individual prison page on
the Prison Finder
- Following the prison’s Twitter account
We also have a range of ways to communicate advice and
guidance to people in prison, including National Prison Radio
If you have urgent concerns about someone in prison during the
coronavirus outbreak
If you have urgent concerns about someone in prison you
should call the prison direct. Contact details are available
on the Prison Finder.
