COVID-19 Information Hub

The safety and wellbeing of those living and working in our prisons is a priority for the Scottish Prison Service (SPS). We are working with the Scottish Government, Health Protection Scotland, our NHS colleagues and a range of other partners on a daily basis to manage the unprecedented challenges we are all now facing.

The SPS has robust pandemic plans in place which are implemented on a phased basis in response to escalation demands. We continue to follow public health advice, which means that anyone in our care who displays symptoms of the virus will be asked to self-isolate, as well as those how may have been in contact with that individual.

DAILY COVID INFORMATION

As at Thursday 21/10/2021 there are currently 1171 individuals who are self-isolating across 11 establishments. A significant number of individuals are self isolating due to potential contact with a confirmed case.

There are 185 confirmed cases of COVID amongst those in our care.

We continue to work closely with Public Health colleagues in the relevant health boards in managing these cases.

CHANGES TO VISITING GUIDANCE

01 September 2021

Following the easing of Coronavirus restrictions by the Scottish Government on Monday 9 August 2021, it is necessary to provide updated guidance for all visitors to establishments.

All visitors on entry to the prison must complete a COVID triage questionnaire. If visitors answer ‘yes’ to any of the questions, they will not be permitted to attend the visit. The questionnaire asks:

·         Do you or any member of your household/family have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19?

·         Are you or any member of your household/family waiting for a COVID-19 test result?

·         Have you travelled internationally to any country which isn’t exempt from self-isolation rules in the last   14 days?

·         Have you had contact with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19?

·         Have you tested positive for COVID in the last 10 days?

·         Do you have any of the following symptoms?

o   high temperature or fever

o   new, continuous cough

o   loss or alteration to taste or smell

Visiting Times

Visiting times remain altered to reflect staffing arrangements and the impact of coronavirus in each establishment. Consequently, visiting times may differ between establishments. Information regarding local visiting times and arrangements can be found here.

Face Masks/Coverings

Face masks/coverings must continue to be worn by all visitors (over the age of 12 years) to establishments from entry into the building through to being seated in the visiting room, where they can be removed.

Visitors who advise that they are exempt from wearing a face mask will not be required to wear one. However, visitors who are exempt must advise the prison when booking the visit or prior to the visit taking place that they are exempt, to allow the prison to put in place any necessary arrangements required to safely facilitate the visit.

Hygiene

Rules around hand washing and use of hand sanitiser should continue to be observed by all visitors. Hand sanitisers will be available both at the entrance to the prison and within the visit area. Where possible hand sanitiser will be available at the table, but where this is not possible, hand sanitiser dispensers will be in place within the visit area.

Social Distancing

The legal requirement to socially distance in certain locations has been lifted by SG, and social distancing is now non-compulsory for visiting groups. However, in the interest of safety for both those in our care and our staff, we politely request that visitors continue to socially distance from SPS staff throughout their time in the establishment.

Visiting Group Size

Local risk assessments have been carried out in each establishment to determine the group size permitted to attend each visiting session. This may vary between each establishment; further details are available here.

Physical Contact

People in custody may make physical contact with their visitors, such as a hug or handshake, when they first greet at the beginning of the visit and when saying goodbye at the end of the session. Both the person in custody and the visitor must be wearing a face mask where there is any physical contact.

Anyone who is exempt from wearing a face mask/face covering must not make physical contact during the visit unless they are willing to wear a face covering for the duration of any physical contact.

Visitors under the age of 12 may have physical contact throughout the visit and are not required to wear a mask.

Refreshments

Visitors and people in custody are permitted to eat or drink while seated during the visit. Visitors must not move from their designated visit table e.g. to refresh drinks without donning a mask. Refreshment facilities may vary between establishments; more information can be found here.

Paying in Money

Please note we remain unable to accept cash payments made in person.

The preferred, easiest and quickest means for paying in money to people in custody in SPS establishments remains through online bank transfer with use of the Online Bank Transfer Reference Generator. Money is transferred from your own personal banking app and not via a Government or SPS website. Instructions on how to do so are available here. International money cannot be transferred using this service and can only be sent in the mail.

Cash sent via Royal Mail is also accepted. If you intend to send cash in the mail, please refer to Royal Mail for guidance, and note that this may take slightly longer to process. However, the most secure method of paying in money remains through online bank transfer.

Property

Property will only be accepted when received through postal mail and can no longer be handed in to establishments directly.

Online Bank Transfers