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 have a robust Transition Plan in place as we move out of the Pandemic phase; bringing prison COVID-19 guidance more closely in line with guidance for the wider community. 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.

WEEKLY COVID INFORMATION

As of Monday 30/01/2023 there are currently 8 individuals who are self-isolating across 2 establishments. A number of individuals are self-isolating due to potential contact with a confirmed case.

There are 2 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.

UPDATES TO VISITING GUIDANCE

01 July 2022

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:

·         Have you tested positive for COVID in the last 5 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 may have changed and differ between establishments. Information regarding local visiting times and arrangements can be found here.

Face Masks/Coverings

Face masks are no longer mandatory however we strongly encourage all visitors over the age of 12 years of age, unless exempt, to wear one on entering the prison and until seated in the visit area.

Face masks are available in each establishment for visitors, staff and people in prison to wear, if they wish to do so.

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. Visitors will not be permitted to wear disposable gloves during their visit.

Physical Distancing

Physical distancing is no longer mandatory. If visitors wish to continue social distancing, they may do so.

Please note, physical distancing measures may be reintroduced as a precautionary measure in times where there are positive cases within the establishment.

Visiting Group Size

Visiting group sizes are now permitted as a maximum of 3 adults plus children, however this may vary between establishments. More information can be found here.

Refreshments

Visitors and people in custody are permitted to eat or drink while seated during the visit.

Antibacterial/antiviral wipes will be made available beside the vending machines to allow cleaning by the visitor between uses.

Refreshment facilities may vary between establishments; more information can be found here.

Paying in Money

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.

Please note:

·       There is a limit of £50 per prisoner, per day, any amounts exceeding this will be returned to the sender(s).

·       Funds will be rejected if the information within the reference is incorrect.

·       SPS will endeavour to return rejected within  10 working days of receipt.

·       SPS cannot accept international payment or payments for HMPs Addiewell and Kilmarnock

Online Bank Transfers