We are compiling a list of news articles, guidance and other resources from around the world on COVID-19 and prisons. This will be updated regularly.
International resources
WEPHREN are collating guidance and other resources on managing COVID-19 in prisons and places of detention from various countries and organisations which can be found here.
The ICPA has a resource page here
Prison Insider is collating information on the measures being taken in different countries here
COVID-19 Behind Bars is an independent journalism project tracking jails, prisons, detention centers, and other facilities of incarceration impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. Link here
The European Prison Observatory has a webpage on COVID-19: What is happening in European Prisons? which can be found here
The Association for the Prevention of Torture has developed a Covid-19 And Persons Deprived Of Liberty Information Hub available here
Europris have a dedicated COVID-19 page here
The Amend Team is developing real-time strategies and guidance for correctional facilities grappling with the life threatening challenges of COVID-19 here
The Fair Trials Covid-19 Justice Project can be found here
Information on measures being taken by different countries in dealing with the pandemic in prisons can be found here
Justice Project Pakistan has produced a live global map which is tracking reported cases of prisoners testing positive and dying of the virus across the world. You can view the map here
The Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody has a Coronavirus Information Hub which can be accessed here
A special open access issue of the Victims and Offenders journal has been published focussing on the impact of the pandemic in prisons in a number of countries. The journal can be accessed here
The Council of Europe has published a report on "Prisons and Prisoners in Europe in Pandemic Times: An evaluation of the medium-term impact of the COVID-19 on prison populations" which is available here
Policy statements and guidance
The WHO has issued guidance on Preventing COVID-19 outbreak in prisons which can be found here
The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture has issued a statement of principles relating to the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty in the context of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic which can be found here
Penal Reform International have produced a briefing note on Coronavirus: Healthcare and human rights of people in prison here
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights has issued a statement here
UNODC has published a position paper on Position Paper on COVID-19 preparedness and responses in prisons here
On 23 March the Regional Penitentiary Academy for Latin America organised a virtual conference of senior prison administrators in the region to discuss the issue of Covid 19 and to learn from each other about initiatives to manage the situation in prisons. Professor Andrew Coyle was invited to set the scene for the conference and a copy of his statement is available here
The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative has published a report on COVID - 19 and Prisons in the Commonwealth: Ensuring An Effective Response here
Children in detention are at heightened risk of contracting COVID-19 and should be released: Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore here
Physicians for Human Rights Israel has pubished a report on Health Remanded to Custody: The Future of the Prison Health Care System in Israel which can be found here
News articles from 13 March - 30 November 2020 can be found here
News 22 June
Africa
South Africa - Prison visits suspended with move to level 3
https://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/2021-06-22-prison-visits-suspended-with-move-to-level-3/
Americas
US - Some Incarcerated Meatpacking Workers Spent ‘100 percent’ of Their Time in High-Risk Settings During Pandemic
Asia
India - Vaccination drive in Maharashtra prisons going slow
Malaysia - Covid-19: Admission of new inmates triggered Sungai Udang prison cluster
News 19 – 21 June
Africa
Liberia - Jeety commits anti-Covid-19 supplies for inmates
https://thenewdawnliberia.com/jeety-commits-anti-covid-19-supplies-for-inmates/
South Africa - ‘Vaccinate inmates to avoid crisis’
https://mg.co.za/news/2021-06-20-vaccinate-inmates-to-avoid-crisis/
Americas
Jamaica - COVID-19 blow hurts inmates' rehab programme
https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/covid-19-blow-hurts-inmates-_224072?profile=1373
St Kitts & Nevis - 26 Additional Confirmed Covid-19 Cases Reported At Her Majesty’s Prison Bringing Total Number To 37
US - ‘Disorder and Chaos’ in N.Y.C. Jails as Pandemic Recedes
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/19/nyregion/rikers-island-chaos-suicides.html
US (Kentucky) - In-Person Prison Visits Return, But Strict Rules Leave Children Out
https://kycir.org/2021/06/21/in-person-prison-visits-return-but-strict-rules-leave-children-out/
Asia
India - Only 8% of Tihar’s inmates vaccinated
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/only-8-of-tihars-inmates-vaccinated/article34873158.ece
Philippines - Inmates struggle to save relationships, mental health amid ban on visits
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/inmates-mental-health-amid-ban-visits-covid-19
Philippines - Leyte Prison launches ‘e-dalaw’ for inmates
https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/21/leyte-prison-launches-e-dalaw-for-inmates/
Europe
England and Wales - Over 8,000 'prisoners' still waiting for their trial
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1452222/coronavirus-news-thousands-prisoners-await-trial
England and Wales - HMP Bedford social visits set to resume for ‘most vulnerable prisoners’
Ireland - Control and restraint teams called in as inmates at Midlands Prison protest over Covid restrictions
News 18 June
Americas
St Kitts & Nevis - HMP Management Implements Additional Measures to Safeguard Health of Personnel and Residents
https://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/115818
US - Dozens of Texans Died of COVID-19 in Prison Despite Being Granted Parole, Report Finds
US (Pennsylvania) - ‘More harm than good’: Most Pa. prisoners are vaxxed, but isolating COVID rules remain
US (Hawaii) - Bill Reintroduced to Improve Compassionate Release Following COVID-19 Outbreaks in Prisons
Asia
Philippines - Elderly political prisoner's death highlights call to free vulnerable PDLs
Europe
Belgium - Ligne Info'Prison : les témoignages recueillis reflètent la profonde détresse des détenus
Turkey - HDP demands parliamentary debate on situation of sick prisoners
https://stockholmcf.org/hdp-demands-parliamentary-debate-on-situation-of-sick-prisoners/
News 17 June
Americas
US - How Covid-19 Is Still Battering the Criminal Legal System
US (Virginia) - COVID-19 early release program for inmates to end July 1
US - Kentucky Prisons to Reopen for Family Visits June 20 After Closing Due to Coronavirus
US (Hawaii) - More HCCC inmates test positive
https://eminetra.com/more-hccc-inmates-test-positive-honolulu-hawaii/597996/
Asia
India - Vaccination Of Prisoners- "Vaccines Not Available, Inoculation Programme Progressing Slowly": Govt. Tells Uttarakhand High Court
Europe
Ireland - Failure to restart family visits and religious services in prisons condemned in Dáil
Ireland - Inmates being vaccinated on a prison-by-prison basis
News 16 June
Africa
Nigeria - Decongestion: FCT Command Controller calls for virtual sitting, establishment of Courts in correctional facilities
Americas
Canada - Some prisoners not offered COVID-19 shots until months after general public, CBC analysis finds
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/covid-vaccinations-in-jails-1.6066293
Haiti - Officials to renew health emergency status, discuss prison care
https://haitiantimes.com/2021/06/15/officials-renew-health-emergency-status-discuss-prison-care/
US - Why Lockdowns Can’t Protect People in Prison From Deadly Viruses
https://thecrimereport.org/2021/06/15/how-mass-incarceration-fuels-the-spread-of-disease/
US - New report finds parole-approved prisoners waited months for release amid pandemic
Asia
Cambodia - Gov’t prioritises prisoners for Covid-19 vaccinations
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50875006/govt-prioritises-prisoners-for-covid-19-vaccinations/
India - Vax in drive across state prisons progressing slow and steady
India - Delhi prisons see only single COVID-19 case this month
India - Goa: Soon, Colvale prison inmates can meet kin, friends virtually
Europe
Ireland - Number of inmates on temporary release from Cork prison rising steadily in recent weeks
https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40314185.html
News 15 June
Africa
Botswana - Prisons to start video conferencing facility for inmates
https://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?aid=90241&dir=2021/june/14
Uganda - Prison services reinstate ban on visits to jail centres
https://www.independent.co.ug/prison-services-reinstate-ban-on-visits-to-jail-centres/
Americas
St Kitts & Nevis - Officials working to combat COVID at HMP
https://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/115786
US - The origins of Covid-19’s racial disparities lie in America’s prisons
https://qz.com/2019954/overcrowded-prisons-help-explain-us-covid-19-racial-inequality/
US - Covid-19 and the Struggle for Health Behind Bars
https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/covid-19-and-struggle-health-behind-bars
US (Tennessee) Prisons rebound from COVID-19 pandemic with the return of volunteers
US (Connecticut) - Prison guards seeking hazard pay for work during pandemic
Asia
Philippines - Separated by Covid: Inmates struggle to save relationships, mental health amid ban on visits
Philippines - Group urges release of ‘at-risk PDLs’ after death of 75-year-old, sick political prisoner
News 12-14 June
Africa
Kenya - Inmate visitations to resume in new plan, officials say
https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2021-06-13-inmate-visitations-to-resume-in-new-plan-officials-say/
Americas
Panama - Prison system director dies of covid-19
https://menafn.com/1102265671/Prison-system-director-dies-of-covid-19&source=138
St Kitts & Nevis - Inmate tests positive for COVID-19
https://www.sknvibes.com/news/newsdetails.cfm/115755
Trinidad & Tobago - Inmates, prison officers to get vaccinated
US - Decrease in jail population should remain after pandemic, criminal justice reformers say
https://news.yahoo.com/decrease-jail-population-remain-pandemic-142907313.html
US - Coronavirus lockdowns in prisons test limits of Colorado’s rules on solitary confinement
US (Arizona) - Department of Corrections vaccinates over 26,000 inmates
Asia
Cambodia - Justice ministry reviews conditions for early prisoner release
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/justice-ministry-reviews-conditions-early-prisoner-release
‘We may die inside’: How India’s prisons became sitting ducks for Covid-19
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/covid-india-jails-overcrowding-coronavirus-b1857102.html
India - Maharashtra: 7,600 inmates get their first jab, active cases on a decline in state prisons
Maldives amps up anti-epidemic measures in prisons
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/asiapacific/2021-06/11/c_1310003384.htm
Pakistan - Imprisoned in a pandemic
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/849264-imprisoned-in-a-pandemic
Sri Lanka - Virtual meetings for prisoners with their families with the help of ICRC
https://island.lk/virtual-meetings-for-prisoners-with-their-families-with-the-help-of-icrc/
Europe
Greece - Fresh outbreak of Covid-19 at Patra Prison
https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1162808/fresh-outbreak-of-covid-19-at-patra-prison/
Ireland - Many more could have been released in 2020 to combat Covid - Inspector of Prisons
Ireland - Covid halts DNA sampling in prisons for crime database with no date set for resumption
News 11 June
Africa
Kenya - Prison Staff, Inmates, To Be Vaccinated Against Covid-19
https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/prison-staff-inmates-to-be-vaccinate-against-covid-19/
Americas
‘They let people die’: US prisons bureau denied tens of thousands compassionate release during Covid
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jun/11/us-prisons-bureau-compassionate-release-covid
US - Research sheds new light on COVID-19 and mass imprisonment
https://floridanewstimes.com/research-sheds-new-light-on-covid-19-and-mass-imprisonment/282693/
US (California) - With COVID-19 under control in OC jails, judge dismisses lawsuit aimed at cutting inmate population
US - Virus outbreaks in Hawaii jails prompt inmate lawsuit
US (Iowa) - Pandemic speeds up Linn County’s permanent ban on in-person jail visits
Asia
Cambodia - GDP receives nearly 7,000 vaccine doses to curb prison infections
Elderly Activist Inmates Increasingly Positive For COVID-19 in Cambodia’s Penal System
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/inmates-06102021211030.html
India - Substantial decrease in Covid cases in prisons: Jail authorities to Bombay HC
Justice minister kicks off vaccination in Covid-ravaged Thai prison system
Thailand - Korat prisons declared to be Covid free
https://thethaiger.com/news/national/korat-prisons-declared-to-be-covid-free
Europe
Cyprus - Coronavirus: Lawyers protest over decision to resume operations at Supreme Court
England and Wales - Prison sees dramatic fall in violent incidents
https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/crime/highpoint-prison-stradishall-suffolk-reduced-violence-8043108
Ireland - Infamous killers among those offered a Covid-19 jab as 'hundreds' of prisoners vaccinated this week
https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/crime/infamous-killers-among-those-offered-24293494
Oceania
New Zealand - Vaccine rollout scale down: Prisoners and Defence Force to wait longer, no more walk-ins
News 10 June
Americas
Canada - Human rights commission urges province’s justice sector to keep prison population low amid COVID-19
US - Garland: 52% of federal inmates in America are now vaccinated for COVID-19
US - In-person visits to Indiana prisons to resume in phases starting this week
US (California) - CA’s Jail & Prison Populations Went Down During COVID, But Now The Jail Numbers Have Crept Back Up
US - Gov. Greg Abbott has lifted almost all Texas pandemic restrictions. But not the one limiting jail releases.
https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/10/texas-bail-pandemic-greg-abbott/
US - In-Person Visits Resume Only for Vaccinated Missouri Prisoners
US (New York) - In-Person Visits Resume This Month At NYC Jails
https://news.yahoo.com/person-visits-resume-month-nyc-214600672.html
Asia
Bahraini political inmate dies of coronavirus in Jau Prison
Cambodia - Sar Kheng shores up prison support amid Covid spread
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/sar-kheng-shores-prison-support-amid-covid-spread
News 9 June
Africa
Uganda suspends prison visits over surge of COVID-19 cases
https://africa.cgtn.com/2021/06/09/uganda-suspends-prison-visits-over-surge-of-covid-19-cases/
Americas
US (Vermont) - Vt. Prisons Used Lockdowns To Slow Coronavirus, But Prisoners' Mental Health Suffered
US - Wisconsin Prisons to Resume in-Person Visits
https://www.fox21online.com/2021/06/08/wisconsin-prisons-to-resume-in-person-visits/
Asia
India - Tackling pandemic woes, Rajasthan's prison authorities conduct e-meets for inmates & their kin
News 8 June
Africa
Liberia - UNDP, Bureau of Corrections collaborate to decongest prisons
https://thenewdawnliberia.com/undp-bureau-of-corrections-collaborate-to-decongest-prisons/
South Africa - Popcru urges police and prison workers to be given priority for Covid jabs
Americas
US - Incarceration Declined Only Slightly From Fall 2020 to Spring 2021 After an Unprecedented Drop in Incarceration in 2020
US - Jail Populations Creep Back Up After COVID-19
https://www.themarshallproject.org/2021/06/07/jail-populations-creep-back-up-after-covid-19
US (Hawaii) - Oversight Commissioner Concerned With Overcrowding as COVID-19 Cases at Hilo Jail Rise to 154
Asia
India - 2,000 jail inmates get Covid jab in Bhopal
India - Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh arranges 19,132 e-meets for prisoners with kin during lockdown
Malaysia - Reduce overcrowding in prisons, detention centres, PH tells govt
Nearly 30,000 Covid-19 infections at Thai prisons in recent wave
https://thethaiger.com/news/national/nearly-30000-covid-19-infections-at-thai-prisons-in-recent-wave
News 4-7 June
Americas
Bermuda - Tensions rise at prison over Covid restrictions, Minister
Canada - Lack of trust, information driving low vaccination rate at Ottawa jail, advocate says
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-carleton-detention-centre-covid-outbreak-1.6051957
US - Most Oklahoma prisons operating normally following lockdown
https://www.westport-news.com/news/article/Most-Oklahoma-prisons-operating-normally-16227229.php
US - COVID-19 outbreak at Big Island jail grows among inmates and staff – Honolulu, Hawaii
US (Washington) - Some Prisons Reinstate Patdown Searches Although Guards Are Refusing Vaccination
Asia
Cambodia - Inmates to get AstraZeneca jabs
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/inmates-get-astrazeneca-jabs
India - States just transferring prisoners instead of efforts to decongest jails
Indonesia - Emerging prison virus clusters spur calls for change
Timely vaccinations for prison inmates in Japan uncertain
Singapore - Fewer offenders put on probation last year amid Covid-19
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/fewer-offenders-put-on-probation-last-year-amid-covid-19
Thailand - Covid-19 vaccinations begin at Pattaya prison
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/covid-19-vaccinations-begin-at-pattaya-prison-358608
Europe
England and Wales - Covid has offered a 'once in a lifetime' chance to improve the prisons says union official
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/covid-offered-once-lifetime-chance-20739477
Just 2% of prisoners in Ireland have been vaccinated against Covid-19
https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/just-2-prisoners-ireland-been-24245993
News 3 June
Americas
US - Mass Incarceration Has Worsened the COVID-19 Pandemic for Everyone
Asia
India - Draw lessons from Covid to improve jail healthcare
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/draw-lessons-from-covid-to-improve-jail-healthcare-262392
Malaysia - Parliamentary prison reform group: Locking up MCO offenders risks triggering another Covid-19 wave
How to reduce Covid-19 in Malaysian prisons
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50867314/how-to-reduce-covid-19-in-malaysian-prisons/
Thailand - 122 prisons free of Covid infections
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2125779/122-prisons-free-of-covid-infections
Europe
England and Wales - Covid: Prison officers take dogs to work to cut prisoners' stress
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-57317334
England and Wales - Prison educators plan further strikes in health and safety dispute
https://feweek.co.uk/2021/06/02/prison-educators-plan-further-strikes-in-health-and-safety-dispute/
England and Wales - Covid: Young offenders institution's response praised
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-57323337
News 2 June
Africa
Tunisia - Sept morts dans les prisons depuis le début de la pandémie
Asia
Cambodia - Kampong Speu inmates get Covid, one dies
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/kampong-speu-inmates-get-covid-one-dies
India - Over 2,000 inmates of Central Prison receive first dose of COVID-19 vaccine
India - In Maharashtra, Prison Quarantine Centres Are More Harrowing than Main Jail Barracks
https://thewire.in/rights/covid19-maharashtra-prison-decongest-quarantine
Thailand's daily COVID-19 cases drop on decline in prison infections
Europe
England and Wales - Prison inspectors find regime at HMP North Sea Camp near Boston "overly restrictive" during pandemic
https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/local-news/prison-inspectors-find-regime-hmp-5481126
England and Wales - Pentonville says it will clear up 'mice and cockroach infestation' after damning report
https://www.mylondon.news/news/north-london-news/pentonville-says-clear-up-mice-20692497
2 wards under quarantine in Denizli Prison as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Turkish penal institutions
Oceania
Australia - Melbourne Assessment Prison plunged into lockdown amid Covid fears
News 22 May – 1 June
Africa
Morocco moves to vaccinate prison inmates 45 and up
South Africa - Covid-19: Why we need to vaccinate prisoners now
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-05-25-covid-19-why-we-need-to-vaccinate-prisoners-now/
South Africa - Prisoners livid over delayed parole due to being ignored by dept
Americas
Canada - Nearly 75% of federal prisoners have been vaccinated against COVID-19
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/federal-prisoners-vaccinated-75-per-cent-1.6044896
‘Dehumanizing spaces’: How COVID-19 is affecting inmates in Canada
https://charlatan.ca/2021/05/dehumanizing-spaces-how-covid-19-is-affecting-inmates-in-canada/
Canada - Ottawa jail in lockdown as 19 inmates, one staffer test positive; no court appearance for Budlakoti
Trinidad & Tobago - Riot over 'COVID case' at Women’s Prison
https://guardian.co.tt/news/riot-over-covid-case-at-womens-prison-6.2.1332639.2b03309dda
US - Federal prisons forced to use cooks, nurses to guard inmates due to staff shortages
Vaccinations are lagging at many U.S. prisons, where major virus outbreaks have been common.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/22/us/covid-prison-vaccine.html
US - Jails shrunk during the pandemic — here's how to keep them small
US - “Essential” and exploitable: Prison factories stayed open during the pandemic. People got sick.
https://thecounter.org/essential-and-exploitable-prison-factories-stayed-open-during-pandemic/
US - Data: Half of Montana inmates reject COVID-19 vaccine
US - Arizona Department of Corrections administers 43,000+ COVID-19 vaccines to inmates
Asia
Bangladesh - Three isolation centres opened at prisons
https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/three-isolation-centres-opened-prisons-2097717
Cambodia - Official sounds alarm as Covid spreads in prisons
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/official-sounds-alarm-covid-spreads-prisons
The pandemic has put the spotlight on inhumane conditions in Indian prisons
India - 542 prisoners released from jails in Maharashtra after HPC order; bail pleas of 12,751 pending
India - COVID-19 pandemic: Over 10,000 prisoners released to decongest UP jails
India - Karnataka vaccinates all jail inmates above 45 years
Malaysia - Covid: Prisons Dept postpones Kaamatan, Gawai visitations
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/covid-prisons-dept-postpones-kaamatan-gawai-visitations-YH7911111
Maldives - Huge cluster of COVID-19 infections at Asseyri Jail
Maldives - High risk prisoners transferred to home arrest
Philippines - Pandemic locks PDLs' families out of prisons
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/05/28/2101441/pandemic-locks-pdls-families-out-prisons
Thailand - 1,228 more inmates infected at 14 prisons
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2122647/1-228-more-inmates-infected-at-14-prisons
COVID-19 surge in Thai prisons is a warning to other countries in Asia
Europe
England and Wales - Severe restrictions on inmates' movements now lifted at most prisons
England and Wales - Prison governors' chief says lockdown freedoms need to be extended to inmates
England and Wales - Fewer criminals jailed due to Covid-19 - and the impact pandemic has had on prisons
https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/fewer-criminals-jailed-due-covid-20701578
England and Wales - East Sutton Park Prison praised for rehabilitation work throughout Covid pandemic
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/maidstone/news/prisoners-still-able-to-leave-during-pandemic-248209/
Isle of Man - Low take-up of Covid-19 vaccine in prison says minister
Covid: Call for less remand prisoners in Scotland after spike during pandemic
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19325430.call-less-remand-prisoners-spike/
50 have died of COVID-19 in Turkey’s jails since start of pandemic: prison authority
Oceania
Australia - Armed, angry and defiant: Reason why group of prisoners left trail of mayhem at Qld jail
News 21 May
Africa
Egypt - 645 prisoners released on occasion of Eid El Fitr celebrations
Americas
US (Connecticut) - Senate OKs free phone calls from prisons
https://ctmirror.org/2021/05/20/senate-oks-free-phone-calls-from-prisons/
Asia
Cambodia - Prey Sar tallies 18 Covid cases
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/prey-sar-tallies-18-covid-cases
India - Bombay HC seeks answers on provision of COVID-19 vaccine to prison inmates
India - 500 prisoners to be released to de-congest jail
Singapore - More inmates and staff at Changi Prison Complex to be tested for Covid-19 as a precaution
Thailand - Some inmates to be released on parole following Covid-19 outbreaks at prisons
Europe
England and Wales - Report slams 'unacceptable' living conditions at Ford Prison during Covid-19
England and Wales - Number of offenders escaping prosecution rises 18pc during pandemic
News 20 May
Africa
Gabon : Reprise des visites aux détenus sur présentation d’un test Covid
https://www.gabonreview.com/gabon-reprise-des-visites-aux-detenus-sur-presentation-dun-test-covid/
Americas
US - About Half of Incarcerated Remain Unvaccinated: Study
https://thecrimereport.org/2021/05/19/about-half-of-incarcerated-remain-unvaccinated-study/
US (Pennsylvania) - Pa. state prisons resume in-person visitation during COVID-19 pandemic
Asia
Cambodia - UN offers Covid assistance at Preah Sihanouk prison
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/un-offers-covid-assistance-preah-sihanouk-prison
India - 233 inmates in 16 Assam jails are Covid positive — IG (Prisons)
https://easternmirrornagaland.com/233-inmates-in-16-assam-jails-are-covid-positive-ig-prisons/
Singapore - 3 more inmates who worked at same kitchen at Changi Prison Complex test positive for Covid-19
Sri Lanka - AG issues fresh guidelines to reduce prison overcrowding
http://www.adaderana.lk/news/73998/ag-issues-fresh-guidelines-to-reduce-prison-overcrowding-
Over 12,000 Covid cases detected in Thai prisons
https://www.laprensalatina.com/over-12000-covid-cases-detected-in-thai-prisons/
Europe
England and Wales - 'There's nowhere to move': Life behind prison bars during the coronavirus pandemic
England and Wales - ‘Portable’ cells introduced in jails in response to COVID-19 to be ‘doubled up’ to deal with overcrowding
News 19 May
Africa
South Africa - Prison vaccine roll out begins amid Covid-19 safety concerns
Americas
US - Elderly, locked up, and at risk — the life and death of the incarcerated during Covid
https://www.rollingstone.com/covids-most-vulnerable-population-elderly-prisoners/
US - Half of Hawaii’s jail and prison guard recruits test positive for COVID
Asia
India - 52 Inmates At Assam Prison Test Positive For Covid, Isolated On Premises
Philippines - Kin of activist who died in jail of COVID-19 sues cops, officials
https://www.rappler.com/nation/family-activist-died-jail-joseph-canlas-sues-negligence
Sri Lanka - COVID clusters developing in prisons - MP
http://www.dailynews.lk/2021/05/19/local/249667/covid-clusters-developing-prisons-mp
Thailand - Prison infections keep rising
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2117791/prison-infections-keep-rising
Europe
Belgium - Coronavirus - Près de 50% du personnel pénitentiaire vacciné, tout comme 1.306 détenus
Georgia to start Covid-19 vaccination in prisons today
https://agenda.ge/en/news/2021/1324
Scotland - Covid-19 outbreak hits inmates at Edinburgh's Saughton Prison
News 18 May
Americas
US - News Inside: A COVID Lifesaver for America’s Incarcerated
https://www.voanews.com/press-freedom/news-inside-covid-lifesaver-americas-incarcerated
Asia
India - Panel decides to release jail inmates on parole who were freed last year
India - Expedite vaccination of Jail Inmates, staff as per Govt guidelines in prisons of J&K: Justice Magrey
Thailand Considers Releasing 50,000 Inmates As Covid Hits Prisons
Europe
England and Wales - Locked up in lockdown: the devastating effect of Covid on the prison population
Another inmate dies of COVID-19 as cases continue to surge in Turkey’s overcrowded prisons
News 15 – 17 May
Americas
Protecting prisoners from HIV and COVID-19 in Mexico
US - Two Out of Three California Prison Inmates Said Yes to COVID Vaccine
US (Arizona) - Department of Corrections administers over 44,000 vaccines
Asia
Bangladesh - Prisoners given additional three minutes to talk on phone
Cambodia - Preah Sihanouk inmates transferred to Kampot amid Covid scare
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/preah-sihanouk-inmates-transferred-kampot-amid-covid-scare
India - Decongesting prisons in pandemic
https://telanganatoday.com/decongesting-prisons-in-pandemic
India - Delhi: 900 inmates on 3-month parole to decongest Tihar Jail
Singapore - About 5,000 inmates, staff to be tested for COVID-19 after cook at Changi Prison tests positive
Sri Lanka - HRCSL meets Prisons Chief to discuss treatment of detainees during pandemic
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_21A/May16_1621189193CH.php
Sri Lanka - Protest commenced by Bogambara Prison inmates demanding PCR tests
Sri Lanka - Phone number introduced to get information on COVID infected prison inmates
Sri Lanka - Locked-Up During Pandemic: Video Calls for prisoners to connect with relatives
Thailand: Record number of Covid cases as prison clusters grow
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-57139690
Inmates in Thai prisons to get vaccinated against Covid-19 next month
Europe
Belgium - Coronavirus: une partie de la prison de Bruges placée en quarantaine
England and Wales - Torture victims kept in solitary by Home Office for up to a year
France - Prison de Perpignan : 16 personnels positifs au Covid, aucun détenu contaminé, des mesures assouplies
News 14 May
Africa
South Africa: Over 100 Offenders On Special Parole Return to Prison
https://allafrica.com/stories/202105130581.html
Americas
Bowden Institution inmate death is the 6th linked to COVID-19 across Canada
https://globalnews.ca/news/7859632/bowden-institution-inmate-death-covid-19/
US - COVID-19 and Vaccine Mistrust Behind Bars
https://www.themarshallproject.org/2021/05/14/covid-19-and-vaccine-mistrust-behind-bars
Asia
Hong Kong - Stanley Prison removes morning slots for visits to convicts
https://hk.appledaily.com/news/20210514/URCHBAJ2ABEFJKFEO6GSLZ2YWM/
Thailand steps up efforts to contain current outbreak in prisons
Europe
Ireland - Gardaí advised to stay away from Mountjoy Prison due to active Covid-19 outbreak
Oceania
Australia - COVID-19 vaccinations being rolled out in Queensland prisons, government confirms
News 13 May
Scoping review of mental health in prisons through the COVID-19 pandemic
https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/5/e046547
Africa
South Africa - COVID-19 parolees reoffend
https://www.enca.com/news/126-covid-19-parolees-reoffend
Americas
Canada - Ontario Human Rights Commission warns of prison overcrowding amid third wave of pandemic
Canada - Trials postponed as Alberta courts take precautions in face of pandemic third wave
US (Connecticut) - Senate votes to expand eligibility for compassionate parole from prison
Asia
India - Token Temporary Measures to Decongest Prisons Can't Save Inmates from COVID-19
India - Fill up vacant posts of medical officers in Maharashtra prisons, vaccinate inmates: HC to State
Philippines - Cruel Cages: How the Most Overcrowded Prison in the World Ignored a Pandemic
Thailand: Covid-19 Outbreaks in Prisons
https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/05/13/thailand-covid-19-outbreaks-prisons
Europe
England and Wales - Pandemic and court backlog sees Erlestoke population drop
England and Wales - Cramped cells, poor healthcare and 'weekly showers' for prisoners in isolation at HMP High Down
https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/cramped-cells-poor-healthcare-weekly-20580699
News 12 May
Almost 4,000 prisoners have died as a result of COVID-19 worldwide
https://www.thejusticegap.com/almost-4000-prisoners-have-died-as-a-result-of-covid-19-worldwide/
Americas
US - Most prison staff refuse COVID vaccine — should California let them?
https://calmatters.org/health/coronavirus/2021/05/prison-workers-refuse-covid-vaccine-california/
US - Visitors, Volunteers Return to Oklahoma Prisons as Cases Drop, Vaccine Access Widens
Asia
Cambodia - GDP arms Phnom Penh inmates with Covid jabs, Preah Sihanouk next
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/gdp-arms-phnom-penh-inmates-covid-jabs-preah-sihanouk-next
India - Plan to decongest jails being worked out
Malaysia - MCO 3.0: Special family visit for inmates during Aidilfitri cancelled, says Prisons Dept
2 political prisoners die in overcrowded Philippine prisons in 3 days
Thailand’s prisons have a COVID problem it doesn’t want to talk about
Thailand - Thousands of inmates at two prisons have Covid-19
Europe
England and Wales - Inmates serving life sentences at Yorkshire prison die after catching Covid-19
France - Covid : 41 détenus positifs, cluster à la prison de Salon de Provence
France - À l’heure du déconfinement, le Covid frappe toujours fort dans les prisons
News 11 May
Africa
Burundi is releasing thousands from jail, but many political prisoners remain behind bars
Morocco - Covid-19 : La DGAPR a pris une série de mesures pour prémunir les prisons
Americas
It’s been four years since the Senate began a study of conditions in Canada’s prisons. Where’s the final report?
US - Despite dangers of COVID-19 in jails and prisons, many Hawaii inmates not getting vaccine
Asia
India - Cases rise but over 87% inmates in Delhi’s prisons can’t get Covid shot. Age is the culprit
India - Around 400 Prisoners Set To Be Released As Per Directions Of High Powered Committee Of Chandigarh UT
Europe
England and Wales - Two-day strike at 49 prisons begins tomorrow by UCU members over Covid health and safety concerns
https://www.fenews.co.uk/press-releases/68181-two-day-strike-at-49-prisons-begins-tomorrow
England and Wales - Justice Committee to investigate prisoners’ mental health
https://insidetime.org/justice-committee-to-investigate-prisoners-mental-health/
Ireland - Mountjoy hit by largest prison coronavirus outbreak to date
News 8 – 10 May
Africa
Ghana - No COVID-19 infections recorded among prison inmates - Bawumia
Ghana - COVID-19 vaccination: 3,297 Prison officers, inmates vaccinated
Americas
Canada - 2 staff and 1 prisoner at Edmonton prison test positive for COVID-19
Over 2,700 incarcerated people in US dead due to Covid
US - 'Afraid of dying in here': How inmates fought for COVID vaccinations, protections after jails and prisons failed to protect them
https://news.yahoo.com/afraid-dying-inmates-fought-covid-090041733.html
US - Judge says ‘morons’ run New York’s federal jails, denounces ‘inhuman’ conditions
US - Vaccination Rate Among Arkansas Prison Staff Worries Experts
US - Weeks without a shower: Neglect defines Covid-19 containment in California jails
https://theintercept.com/2021/05/09/covid-california-jails-neglect/
US (Maryland) - COVID outbreak hits Baltimore jail even as state ramps up inmate vaccinations; advocates turn to court seeking information
Asia
Cambodia - Preah Sihanouk prison Covid-19 cases may be from asymptomatic detainees
India - COVID-19 surge | Supreme Court orders immediate de-congestion of prisons
India - 450 jail inmates test Covid positive in Haryana
India - Cases rising in Tihar jail, DCPCR seeks information on wellbeing of children
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/tihar-jail-coronavirus-outbreak-children-7306926/
Europe
England and Wales - Prisoners at HMP Stocken in Stretton take part in the Hope Project
https://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/news/prisoners-use-paintings-to-improve-mental-health-9198202/
France - Perpignan/ Nouveau cluster à la prison : «La situation est pire que lors de la première vague»
News 7 May
Americas
Canada - Two COVID-19 cases confirmed in Nova Scotia jails as ‘clunky’ justice system inhibits mass release
Jamaica - 10% of prisoners refuse COVID jab so far
https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20210507/10-prisoners-refuse-covid-jab-so-far
US - Granted Parole or Awaiting Trial, Inmates Died of Covid-19 Behind Bars
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/06/us/coronavirus-inmates-parole.html
US - Vaccinations climb in Nevada prisons as visitation reopens
https://carsonnow.org/story/05/06/2021/vaccinations-climb-nevada-prisons-visitation-reopens
US - Michigan's infection rate in prisons is far above national average as inmates fear the worst
Asia
Cambodia - Over 10,000 detainees to get Covid-19 jabs
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/over-10000-detainees-get-covid-19-jabs
India - High power committee to meet on Friday over rising Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra’s prisons
Europe
Rise in number of inmates at Aylesbury prison during pandemic
Oceania
Australia (Tasmania) - Overcrowding, COVID restrictions to blame for unrest at Hobart's Risdon Prison, critics say
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-07/risdon-prison-unrest-not-surprising-critics-say/100121646
News 6 May
Africa
Malawi - Coronavirus: 12 prisoners test positive, two new cases imported from India
Asia
India - ‘Decongesting Prisons Is About Public Health, Not Crime’
https://www.thequint.com/news/law/decongesting-prisons-is-about-public-health-not-crime#read-more
India - Delhi: 249 inmates in isolation or hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus
India - Telangana vaccinates majority of its prisoners aged above 45
https://www.siasat.com/telangana-vaccinates-majority-of-its-prisoners-aged-above-45-2133568/
Iran - Inmates left unattended amid spread of Coronavirus in Behbahan prison
Malaysia - Aidilfitri: Prison visits allowed except in MCO, EMCO areas
https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/aidilfitri-prison-visits-allowed-except-mco-emco-areas
Malaysia - Stricter SOP helps curb spread of Covid-19 in Penang’s prisons, says its dept director
Nepal - Siraha prison to quarantine new inmates for 15 days
https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/siraha-prison-to-quarantine-new-inmates-for-15-days
Europe
Anti-torture committee warns against impact of austerity measures on prison conditions
England and Wales - Fewer prisoners but more on remand as Covid hits court system
https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/19281400.fewer-prisoners-remand-covid-hits-court-system/
England and Wales - Chelmsford Prison inmates are being vaccinated at the 'same rate as general public', confirms Ministry of Justice
News 5 May
Africa
Zimbabwe - Prisoners Released Early Due To Covid-19 Struggle To Fit In Society
https://www.tntribune.com/prisoners-released-early-due-to-covid-19-struggle-to-fit-in-society/
Americas
Bermuda - Westgate prisoner to take legal action over Covid-19 isolation
US (New York) - Vaccine Rates Among the Incarcerated Remain Low Amid Mistrust and Misinformation
https://therivernewsroom.com/inmate-vaccine-rates-mistrust-misinformation/
US (Oregon) - Lawyers for COVID-19 infected inmates, families of prisoners who have died seek class-action status
Asia
India - Covid-19 crisis in Delhi calls for immediate decongestion of jails, plea tells HC judge-led panel
India - 57 women prisoners lodged in Tihar jail test COVID-19 positive in one month
Thailand - Field hospitals at Klong Prem Prison for infected inmates
Europe
England and Wales - Concerns for mental health of prisoners kept inside with limited visits during pandemic
England and Wales - Drop in number of inmates at Doncaster, Moorland, Lindholme and Hatfield prisons during pandemic
France - Covid-19 : le cluster prend de l'ampleur dans la prison de Salon-de-Provence
Luxembourg - Situation in Schrassig Prison is improving
https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/1716680.html
News 1-4 May
Kenya: Covid-19 - 34 Remandees at Siaya GK Prison Test Positive
https://allafrica.com/stories/202105040245.html
Americas
Canada - COVID-19 confirmed at Iqaluit's jails, boarding home as cases rise
Trinidad & Tobago - Prison visits suspended following COVID-19 restrictions
https://www.looptt.com/content/prison-visits-suspended-following-covid-19-restrictions
US (Maine) - Two dozen inmates at women’s prison have COVID-19
https://www.pressherald.com/2021/04/30/two-dozen-inmates-at-womens-prison-have-covid-19/
Asia
India - Maharashtra prison authority sets up ‘two-tier protection’ to curb virus spread in jails
India - Maharashtra's Prisons Are Feeling the Brunt of a Crisis That Could Have Been Averted
https://thewire.in/rights/maharashtra-prisons-covid-19-crisis-vaccine-deaths-infection
India - Coronavirus: Allahabad HC orders release of prisoners to unclog jails in Uttar Pradesh
India - Prison Radio To Help Inmates Cope Stress During Covid-19
https://womansera.com/prison-radio-to-help-inmates-cope-stress-during-covid-19/
33 inmates test postive for Covid-19 in Kuwait prison
https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/943889/33-inmates-test-postive-for-Covid-19-in-Kuwait-prison
Maldives Correctional Services begins identifying high-risk prisoners
Nepal - Virus spreads among jailbirds in Bajura
https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/virus-spreads-among-jailbirds-in-bajura
Sri Lanka - Prisons officers to receive AstraZeneca second dose
https://www.nation.lk/online/prisons-officers-to-receive-astrazeneca-second-dose-78333.html
Europe
Belgium - Certaines prisons en chaos sanitaire: la vaccination débute
England and Wales - Prisoners left without clean underwear and socks for up to 11 weeks at HMP Wandsworth, claim their lawyers
England and Wales - Norfolk sex offender jail praised for protecting inmates from Covid
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/norfolk-sex-offender-hmp-bure-praised-inspection-coronavirus-7940268
England and Wales - HMP Preston Covid outbreak results in stronger measures for inmates
https://www.lancs.live/news/lancashire-news/hmp-preston-covid-outbreak-results-20503501
COVID-19 in Iceland: No Infections Spread in Prisons
https://www.icelandreview.com/society/covid-19-in-iceland-no-infections-spread-in-prisons/
Ireland - ICPO hopes vaccine rollout sees return of family visits for overseas prisoners
https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40280498.html
Luxembourg - La situation se détend à la prison de Schrassig
https://5minutes.rtl.lu/actu/luxembourg/a/1716489.html
300 inmates contract COVID-19 in northwestern Turkey as cases soar nationwide
Left Behind to Die: COVID-19 in Turkish Prisons and Discrimination Against Political Prisoners
News 30 April
Africa
Uganda - Protect rights and safety of prisoners
https://www.newvision.co.ug/articledetails/331
Americas
Canada - COVID-19 outbreak at Donnacona prison
https://montrealgazette.com/news/quebec/covid-19-outbreak-at-donnacona-prison
US - Covid Was Supposed to Cut Jail Time. Not for Those Awaiting Trial.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-04-29/covid-is-making-pretrial-detention-even-longer
Asia
India - After 4 die of Covid-19, Tihar asks govt to allow release of inmates on parole
India - Spike in COVID-19 cases: Entry of visitors to meet inmates barred at Tiruchi Central Prison
Europe
France - Covid-19 à la prison d'Amiens : une dizaine de cas recensés, un syndicat de surveillants demande la vaccination
News 29 April
Africa
Burundi President Flags Off 5000 Pardoned Prisoners
https://taarifa.rw/burundi-president-flags-off-5000-pardoned-prisoners/
Americas
Jamaica - Prison inmates to start getting COVID-19 vaccines this week
US - One Year Into Pandemic, Several Prisons Resume in-Person Visits
US - Some L.A. County jail inmates seek vaccinations — to get early transfer to state prison
US (Nevada) - After 14-month suspension, Department of Corrections announces phased return of visitation at prisons
Asia
India - Two die of Covid-19 at Tihar jail; prison reports 261 active cases
India - Covid-19: Madurai jail bans prisoners from meeting kin
Europe
Belgium - Surpopulation carcérale: nos prisons à nouveau dans le rouge avec des contaminations Covid qui se multiplient
Belgium - Mesures strictes dans les prisons à cause de la pandémie: les détenus n'en peuvent plus et dénoncent leurs conditions de vie
England and Wales - Record number of deaths in prison amid Covid surge, figures show
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/prison-deaths-covid-england-wales-b1839492.html
England and Wales - Preston Prison hit by major Covid outbreak
https://www.lep.co.uk/health/coronavirus/preston-prison-hit-by-major-covid-outbreak-3217781
Hungary - Coronavirus: Vaccination of Inmates Begins
https://hungarytoday.hu/coronavirus-vaccination-inmates-prison-jail-begins-sinopharm/
New Scottish Government report prompts concern over use of remand in prisons
2 chronically ill inmates contract COVID-19 from prison personnel in northwestern Turkey
News 28 April
Africa
Egypt president pardons 2,674 prisoners
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210427-egypt-president-pardons-2674-prisoners/
Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu pardons 5,001 prisoners
Americas
Barbados - Prison staffer positive
https://barbadostoday.bb/2021/04/27/prison-staffer-positive/
Trinidad & Tobago - Hinds: Eight detainees, 17 prison officers have COVID-19
http://www.looptt.com/content/hinds-eight-detainees-17-prison-officers-have-covid-19
US - Inside vaccine efforts in NY prisons: Eligibility expanded, concerns remain
http://dailyorange.com/2021/04/vaccine-efforts-new-york-prisons-eligibility-concerns/
US - The Illinois Juvenile Justice System Faces COVID-19
https://chicagomaroon.com/article/2021/4/27/illinois-juvenile-justice-system-faces-covid-19-e4ddcb/
Asia
India - Plea in HC for temporary release of prisoners to decongest jails during pandemic
India - COVID-19 surge: 60-day emergency leave for MP jail inmates
Lebanon - Vaccination campaign gets underway in Beirut prison
Europe
Belgium - La propagation du coronavirus dans les prisons nuit au respect des droits fondamentaux
Latvia opens up a new priority group for Covid-19 vaccination
https://bnn-news.com/latvia-opens-up-a-new-priority-group-for-covid-19-vaccination-224297
Oceania
Papua New Guinea – COVID-19 A Threat to Jail Security, Manpower
https://postcourier.com.pg/covid-19-a-threat-to-jail-security-manpower/
News 27 April
Americas
Antigua - Major Covid-19 testing exercise conducted at Her Majesty’s Prison
https://antiguaobserver.com/major-covid-19-testing-exercise-conducted-at-her-majestys-prison/
Canada - Nova Scotia urged to depopulate jails as prisoners and staff continue to wait for vaccine
Mexico - Relatives fear for the lives of inmates in Puebla prison
https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/relatives-fear-for-the-lives-of-inmates-in-puebla-prison/
Compassionate release being considered for prisoners in St Vincent
US - Maine jails seek COVID-19 vaccines for inmates
Asia
COVID-19 is spreading among Bahrain’s prisoners of conscience
India - Positive cases rise to 175 at jail
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/positive-cases-rise-to-175-at-jail/article34417331.ece
Europe
People in prisons should not be left behind amid COVID-19 vaccination
England and Wales - Exeter prison disarray laid bare as staff slammed by urgent investigation
https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/exeter-prison-disarray-laid-bare-5343752
France - Cluster à la prison de Montauban : une situation qui risque de vite devenir "ingérable"
Detainees in Swiss prisons at lowest level in a decade
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/detainees-in-swiss-prisons-at-lowest-level-in-a-decade/46568852
News 24-26 April
Africa
Uganda - Prisons use up 99% of their Covid-19 vaccine doses
https://www.independent.co.ug/prisons-use-up-99-of-their-covid-19-vaccine-doses/
Americas
Bermuda - Westgate inmate 'punished' for asking for alternative Covid-19 test
Canada - Only half of the inmates at Hamilton’s jail have been vaccinated for COVID-19
US - The essential — and dangerous — work prisoners do
https://www.hcn.org/articles/south-labor-the-essential-and-dangerous-work-prisoners-do
US (Texas) - No visits and barely any calls – pandemic makes separation even scarier for people with a family member in prison
US (Illinois) - Prioritizing Incarcerated People for Vaccine Quickly Reduced COVID in IL Prisons
Asia
India - Maharashtra: From crowded jails, prisoners walk out to isolation and hunger
India - Almost all jails in Maharashtra overcrowded, prison officials struggle to enforce ‘equitable distribution’
India - Situation goes out of control as 83 more in Kannur jail turn COVID positive
Maldives - Male' Prison Annex I under lockdown due to discovery of Covid-19 cases
Pakistan - Over 1,000 prisoners get anti-Covid shots
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2296710/over-1000-prisoners-get-anti-covid-shots
Thailand - 144 inmates infected at Chiang Mai prison
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2105787/144-inmates-infected-at-chiang-mai-prison
Europe
Belgium - Alors qu'il y a 52 cas de covid-19 chez les détenus, un test massif de dépistage est réalisé à Jamioulx
England and Wales – Rising self-harm levels in women’s jails in UK are ‘worryingly high’, warns report
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/self-harm-womens-prisons-b1836636.html
England and Wales - Sage warns jails could unleash Covid variants into wider community
England and Wales - 'Heartbreaking:' Doncaster jail slammed for social distancing as family visits restart
France - Covid-19 : un cluster à la maison d'arrêt de Montauban, l'inquiétude des familles de détenus
Ireland - Mountjoy governor apologises to solicitors for difficulties meeting clients
Isle of Man - Weekend prison visiting suspended
https://www.three.fm/news/coronavirus/weekend-prison-visiting-suspended/
Oceania
New Zealand - Kiwi prisoners face longer stays behind bars without conviction
News 23 April
Africa
Kenya - Over 14,000 prisoners released in a bid to decongest prisons
https://www.kbc.co.ke/over-14000-inmates-released-in-a-bid-to-decongest-prisons/
Americas
US - How We Survived Covid-19 In Prison
https://www.themarshallproject.org/2021/04/23/how-we-survived-covid-19-in-prison
US - Federal Inmates On Home Confinement Face Uncertainty Of Returning To Prison
US - Iowa prisons resume COVID-19 vaccinations for inmates, but vaccine rate lags behind neighboring states
US - Illinois cuts prison call costs; Oklahoma inmates, families still struggle
US - Nevada prisons will allow visitors again starting in May
https://news3lv.com/news/coronavirus/nevada-prisons-will-allow-visitors-again-starting-in-may
Asia
Bangladesh - Chief Justice asks special judges' courts to deal with bail, urgent criminal applications virtually
India - PUDR urges Delhi HC to take urgent action on worsening situation in prisons amid rise in COVID cases
Death by Zoom: virus-hit Indonesia orders executions online
Sri Lanka - Visiting rights of prisoners temporarily suspended
https://colombogazette.com/2021/04/23/visiting-rights-of-prisoners-temporarily-suspended/
Thailand - 37 inmates at Chiang Mai prison test positive for Covid-19
https://thethaiger.com/news/national/37-inmates-at-chiang-mai-prison-test-positive-for-covid-19
Europe
Belgium - Covid-19 : la prison de Forest en confinement après la découverte d’un cluster
Belgium - Le personnel des prisons sera vacciné dès début mai
https://bx1.be/dossiers/coronavirus/le-personnel-des-prisons-sera-vaccine-des-debut-mai/
England and Wales - HMP Durham criticised by watchdog after prisoner died from Covid
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/hmp-durham-criticised-watchdog-after-20433691
Northern Ireland - In-person prison visits to resume in less than two weeks
https://www.irishlegal.com/article/in-person-prison-visits-to-resume-in-less-than-two-weeks
News 22 April
Africa
Zimbabwe - 6 prison officers, 4 inmates succumb to Covid-19
https://www.chronicle.co.zw/6-prison-officers-4-inmates-succumb-to-covid-19/
Americas
US - In Vermont, Isolating Inmates Kept Covid at Bay, but at a Price
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/21/us/vermont-prison-covid.html
US - NY Quietly Stopped Vaccinating People In State Prisons—But Promised To Resume After Questioning
Asia
India - Prisons on alert with rising COVID-19 cases, mulaqat stopped
Iran - Fourth wave of COVID-19 threatens the lives of inmates in Karaj Prison
Europe
Belgium - Situation de plus en plus tendue à la prison de Jamioulx: 52 détenus ont été testés positifs au Covid, deux ailes ont dû être mises en quarantaine!
England and Wales - Prisoners complain of toll on mental health of being locked in a cell for 23 hours a day
News 21 April
Americas
US - Bureau of Prisons Director Testimony To Senate Judiciary Leaves Unanswered Questions
US - Pandemic makes separation even scarier for people with a family member in prison
https://phys.org/news/2021-04-pandemic-scarier-people-family-member.html
US - NY Women’s Prison, Housing Mothers and Newborns, Hit By COVID-19 Outbreak
https://gothamist.com/news/ny-womens-prison-housing-mothers-and-newborns-hit-by-covid-19-outbreak
US - More and more Vermont prisoners are refusing vaccinations against Covid-19
US - North Carolina prisons reopen visits for children, extend time limits
US - Appeals court reverses ruling that would have provided more COVID protections at Texas geriatric prison
Asia
India - Covid guidelines for jail inmates
India - Courts refusing to release prisoners on bail: Maha govt tells HC on worsening Covid crisis in jails
Europe
England and Wales - Bedford Prison has Covid outbreaks under control but inspectors find cases of assaults and violence still high
France - Surpopulation carcérale: l'exécutif s'engage sur 15 000 places de prison supplémentaires
Ireland - Sentencing cases adjourned due to Prison Service action over Covid-19 vaccines
Oceania
Australia (Queensland) - Prisoners kept behind bars for months amid parole board backlog
News 20 April
Africa
Tunisia - Surpopulation carcérale, torture et risques de contamination par la Covid-19 | Jamel Msallem, président de la Ligue tunisienne des droits de l’Homme (LTDH), à La Presse : «Les conditions de détention dans les prisons tunisiennes sont illégales»
Americas
US - Oregon prison COVID-19 lawsuit ruling hailed as a landmark for prisoners’ rights
US - Alaska prisoners who are vaccinated can be visited by family and others starting Wednesday
Asia
Tensions rise in Bahrain prison as inmates, families protest conditions
https://whbl.com/2021/04/19/tensions-rise-in-bahrain-prison-as-inmates-families-protest-conditions/
India - COVID-19: Maharashtra govt open to decongesting prisons, seeks directions from Bombay High Court
India - 55 inmates, 4 staffers of Ahmedabad's Sabarmati jail test positive for Covid-19
Europe
Belgium - ‘Explosive situation in prisons’: Calls for all detainees to be given vaccination priority
England and Wales - Peterborough jail criticised as female inmates kept locked in cells for 23 hours a day during COVID lockdown
France - Covid-19. Cluster à la prison d’Alençon – Condé-sur-Sarthe : dix-neuf surveillants positifs
News 17-19 April
Africa
Tunisie – Covid-19 : Démarrage des vaccinations dans les prisons
Zimbabwe begins release of over 3,000 prisoners
https://www.enca.com/africa/africa-zim-begins-release-over-3000-prisoners
Americas
Canada - COVID-19 vaccinations of inmates begin at Regina jail
https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/handful-of-inmates-vaccinated-through-community-sites
Canada - Hamilton public health vaccinating inmates but not jail guards is 'egregious,' union says
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/hwdc-jail-inmate-vaccine-1.5989544
US - Congress Weighs In On Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Handling Of COVID-19
US - Courts ends judicial oversight of COVID measures in Hawaii prisons
US (Kentucky) - How Many Coronavirus Cases In Ky. Jails? We Don’t Know, And State Won’t Say
https://kycir.org/2021/04/19/how-many-coronavirus-cases-in-ky-jails-we-dont-know-and-state-wont-say/
Asia
India - Maharashtra: Pandemic-hit ‘qaidi mulaqat’ goes online again
India - Plea in HC to release prisoners on interim bail to decongest jails due to spike in COVID-19 cases in Delhi
Philippines - Iwahig Prison in Palawan ends 21-day COVID quarantine April 21
https://mb.com.ph/2021/04/19/iwahig-prison-in-palawan-ends-21-day-covid-quarantine-april-21/
Europe
Belgium - Give prison staff priority vaccination, says Justice Minister
England and Wales - SAGE finding could speed up Covid jabs in jails
https://insidetime.org/sage-finding-could-speed-up-covid-jabs-in-jails/
Ireland - Prison officers defend withdrawal of 'goodwill' duties over concerns about when they'll be vaccinated
https://www.thejournal.ie/prison-officers-withdrawal-goodwill-covid-19-vaccine-5413872-Apr2021/
Justice Ministry admits to overcrowding in Turkey’s prisons during pandemic
https://stockholmcf.org/justice-ministry-admits-to-overcrowding-in-turkeys-prisons-during-pandemic/
News 16 April
Africa
Zimbabwe - Amnesty granted for female prisoners
https://www.herald.co.zw/amnesty-granted-for-female-prisoners/
Americas
Canada - More than 150 COVID-19 cases at Regina jail, 5 inmates in hospital: SGEU
U.S. has no plans to order inmates released in pandemic back to prison-official
Asia
India - Maharashtra: As cases among inmates rise, prison dept ramps up testing, plans to restart temporary jails
India - Vaccination of jail inmates hits technical hurdle
India - Karnataka High Court Seeks State Response On Prison Conditions
https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/karnataka-high-court-conditions-of-prisons-karnataka-172645
Philippines - Group slams ‘conflicting’ statements on PDLs inclusion in COVID-19 vaccinations
Europe
England and Wales - Call to give every prisoner access to digital learning
https://www.tes.com/news/prison-education%3Dcalls-give-every-prisoner-access-digital-learning
England and Wales - Covid-19 outbreak at Stocken Prison declared over by Public Health England
https://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/news/prisons-covid-19-outbreak-declared-over-9195641/
Ireland - Withdrawal of goodwill by prison officers over vaccine
https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0416/1210255-prison-officers-covid-vaccines/
Luxembourg - Schrassig Prison Under Partial Lockdown
https://delano.lu/d/detail/news/schrassig-prison-under-partial-lockdown/214323
News 15 April
Africa
Behind the wall: Africa’s prison health crisis [podcast]
https://www.scidev.net/global/podcast/behind-the-wall-africas-prison-health-crisis/
Americas
Covid is ravaging American jails and prisons – and inmates are rightly rising up
US (California) - Will COVID-19 vaccinations mean more prison overcrowding deaths?
US (Virginia) - Video visits for prison inmates, families up more than forty-fold in past year
Asia
India - Overcrowded Delhi Prisons Witness Massive Spike in COVID-19 Cases
https://thewire.in/health/overcrowded-delhi-prisons-witness-massive-spike-in-covid-19-cases
India - Maharashtra has 284 prisoners and jail employees corona positive, 15 people killed
Iranian Government Responsible to Protect Prisoners against Fourth Wave of COVID
Europe
Belgium - La visio, une pointe d’humanité dans les prisons confinées
England and Wales - HMP Full Sutton ‘safe’ despite Covid pressures, say independent monitors
France - Covid-19 : important cluster à la prison d'Orléans-Saran
Oceania
Australia’s mega prison raises fears for prisoner and rural health
https://www.croakey.org/australias-mega-prison-raises-fears-for-prisoner-and-rural-health/
News 14 April
Africa
Zimbabwe: President Okays Amnesty Request
https://allafrica.com/stories/202104140374.html
Americas
US - Illinois ranks in top ten for COVID-19 cases, deaths in prisons
https://week.com/2021/04/13/illinois-ranks-in-top-ten-for-covid-19-cases-deaths-in-prisons/
US (Illinois) - COVID Shut Down Most Prison Education Programs. Here's How Incarcerated Students Have Kept Learning
US (Connecticut) - CT's prison population shrunk during the pandemic. Will it last?
https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/CT-s-prison-population-shrunk-during-the-16097878.php
US - As vaccines trickle into Alabama prisons, COVID-19 deaths continue
Asia
India - State prisons step up efforts to tackle second wave of COVID-19 in Assam
Philippines - CHR bats for inclusion of prisoners in COVID-19 vaccine priority list
Europe
England and Wales - Three days of strikes announced for prison education staff across England
News 13 April
Africa
Uganda - Byabasaija blames prison crowding on DPP, Judiciary
Americas
US - Illinois prisons resume in-person visits for inmates
https://www.kwqc.com/2021/04/13/illinois-prisons-resume-in-person-visits-for-inmates/
US - California prisons resume in-person visits with some changes
US - Nevada newspaper tallies at least 55 inmate COVID-19 deaths
https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Nevada-newspaper-tallies-at-least-55-inmate-16094753.php
US - Lawsuit reveals deadly conditions for Washington D.C. jail inmates during the pandemic
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2021/04/13/dcja-a13.html
Asia
Bangladesh - Under-trial prisoners need not attend court
https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/under-trial-prisoners-need-not-attend-court-2076869
India - Covid-19: Tihar jail on high alert, 52 inmates test Covid+Ve
https://pragnews.com/covid-19-tihar-jail-on-high-alert-52-inmates-test-covidve/
Philippines - DOJ proposes inmates’ inoculation
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1136630
Europe
Belgium - Craintes à la prison de Jamioulx: 40 cas de Covid et les agents ne sont ni testés ni placés en quarantaine
France - Charente-Maritime : un nouveau cluster de Covid-19 à la prison de Saint-Martin-de-Ré
Ireland - Prison schools to reopen next week
https://www.irishlegal.com/article/prison-schools-to-reopen-next-week
Turkey continues building new prisons to jail even more people
https://stockholmcf.org/turkey-continues-building-new-prisons-to-jail-even-more-people/
News 10-12 April
Americas
Plastic Sheets, Pencil Crayons, Cheese Strings: Inside One Canadian Prison’s Chaotic Effort to Stop a COVID-19 Outbreak
Incarcerated and Infected: How the Virus Tore Through the U.S. Prison System
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/04/10/us/covid-prison-outbreak.html
Covid-19: Infections Among U.S. Prisoners Have Been Triple Those of Other Americans
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/04/10/world/covid-vaccine-coronavirus-cases
Thousands of low-level U.S. inmates released in pandemic could be headed back to prison
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-justice-idUSKBN2BY0AU
US - Just 7% of Wisconsin prisoners have received COVID-19 vaccine, despite outcry over inmates being prioritized
Asia
Bahraini authorities flouting prisoners’ rights to health amid rise in COVID-19 cases at Jaw prison
Bahrain releases dozens of prisoners after Covid cases
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/covid-bahrain-prisoners-detainees-release
India - Rising virus cases pose fresh trial for prisons
Europe
Families and children 'hardest hit' as prison visits in Northern Ireland were limited to 93 days in 2020
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/families-children-hardest-hit-prison-20352860
Portugal - Prison population falling
https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2021-04-11/prison-population-falling/59270
Oceania
Papua New Guinea - Suspect Cases in Jails Rise
https://postcourier.com.pg/suspect-cases-in-jails-rise/
News 9 April
Africa
Kenya - Improved prisoners to complete long sentences at home
https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2021-04-08-improved-prisoners-to-complete-long-sentences-at-home/
Réunion - Covid-19 en prison : une trentaine de détenus vaccinés à ce jour
Americas
US - 40% of incarcerated people have chronic conditions — how good is the healthcare they get behind bars?
https://whyy.org/segments/why-good-health-care-in-u-s-prisons-may-be-hard-to-come-by/
US (California) - COVID-19 Outbreak at Donovan Prison in Otay Mesa Left 18 Dead Over 5 Weeks
US - Florida plans to vaccinate more than 30,000 inmates
https://www.news4jax.com/i-team/2021/04/08/florida-plans-to-vaccinate-more-than-30000-inmates/
Asia
India - No Covid-19 infected inmates be kept inside: Odisha to prison authorities
Iran - 35 inmates in critical conditions in Karaj Central Prison from COVID-19 contamination
Malaysia - Prisons Dept creates 13 satellite prisons to ease congestion
Malaysia - Torn between compassion and safety on prison visits
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/torn-between-compassion-and-safety-on-prison-visits-GF7502239
Sri Lanka - Divulapitiya, Peliyagoda and Prison Covid-19 clusters -total cases today- 309
Europe
England and Wales - Covid outbreak reported at maximum security prison Long Lartin in Worcestershire
Italy - 46 Rebibbia inmates indicted for COVID riot
Conditions in Ankara’s Sincan Prison inhumane, says Turkish Parliament sub-committee
News 8 April
World Executions for Drug Charges Fell Sharply Amid COVID. It’s Likely Temporary.
https://filtermag.org/drug-executions-world/
Africa
Uganda - European Ambassador urges authorities pardon prisoners
https://capitalradio.co.ug/tag/byabashaija/
Americas
US - Georgia, Mississippi Prisons Offer Inmates Cookies, Commissary Credit as COVID Vaccine Incentive
US - Judge orders Alaska Corrections Dept. to allow attorneys in-person visits with incarcerated clients regardless of vaccine status
https://autos.yahoo.com/judge-orders-alaska-corrections-dept-134700619.html
US (Vermont) - Corrections chief ‘not happy’ with number of inmates declining Covid-19 vaccinations
US (Rhode Island) - Prison inmates to receive in-person visits after more than a year
https://turnto10.com/i-team/prison-inmates-to-receive-in-person-visits-after-more-than-a-year
US - Hawai‘i’s Top Court in Favor of Ending Emergency COVID Orders Related to Release of Certain Inmates
Asia
India - 19 Tihar prisoners hospitalised after testing Covid positive, jail on high alert
Pakistan - Vaccination of prisoners of 50 years and above starts in Sindh’s 22 jails
Europe
England and Wales - From lack of showers to isolation, women have faced distressing prison conditions during Covid
https://inews.co.uk/opinion/covid-conditions-women-in-prison-plans-more-prisoners-baffling-945430
News 7 April
Americas
US - N.Y. prison visitation to resume
https://suncommunitynews.com/news/88206/ny-prison-visitation-to-resume/
US - Florida Prisons Increase Inmate Intakes From County Jails As COVID-19 Restrictions Relax
Asia
COVID Outbreak in Prison Sparks New Protests in Bahrain
https://www.humanrightsfirst.org/blog/covid-outbreak-prison-sparks-new-protests-bahrain
India - Amid COVID surge, Rajasthan prisoners refrained from meeting kin till April 19
Malaysia - Prison visits now allowed through bookings, strict Covid-19 SOPs, says Prisons Dept
Philippines - BuCor facility in Zamboanga under 1-month lockdown amid COVID spike
Europe
"It's made the prisoners kinder to each other": How Jersey's prison has stayed Covid-free
Scotland - Prisoners on remand pleading guilty to avoid Covid custody
https://www.scottishlegal.com/article/prisoners-on-remand-pleading-guilty-to-avoid-covid-custody
News 2 – 6 April
Americas
'Public health crisis': Canada's prison conditions during pandemic being investigated
US - As States Expand Vaccine Eligibility, Many People in Prison Still Wait for Shots
US - Unless Biden Acts, Thousands Could Go Back to Federal Prison
https://theappeal.org/unless-biden-acts-thousands-could-go-back-to-federal-prison/
Studies detail large COVID outbreaks at US prisons, jails
US - Judge allows lawsuit over Minnesota prison vaccinations to proceed
https://www.twincities.com/2021/04/02/lawsuit-minnesota-prison-vaccinations-covid/
US (Missouri) - Inmates riot in American prison and shout ‘we want court dates’
US - Colorado prisons department approves $500 bonuses for vaccinated workers; active cases drop
Asia
Bahrain to release 126 prisoners amid protests over virus fears
https://www.macaubusiness.com/bahrain-to-release-126-prisoners-amid-protests-over-virus-fears/
India - Family meetings cancelled at Delhi’s three prisons in view of Covid-19 spread
Pakistan - COVID-19: Sindh govt to vaccinate prisoners above age 50 from April 7
Thailand - Prison visits halted nationwide after COVID cluster found
https://www.thephuketnews.com/prison-visits-halted-nationwide-after-covid-cluster-found-79566.php
Europe
The EU's under-reported pre-trial detention problem
https://euobserver.com/opinion/151434
England and Wales - Prison Service launches review of post-Covid regimes
https://insidetime.org/prison-service-launches-review-of-post-covid-regimes/
England and Wales - Bingo, prison telly and no time for fighting - how Covid-19 has transformed life for prisoners in Forest Bank
Scottish courts face crisis after number of people on remand in prison rises
News 1 April
Americas
US - Expanding Home Confinement During COVID-19
https://www.theregreview.org/2021/04/01/downey-expanding-home-confinement-during-covid-19/
US - Colorado is offering prison staff $500 to get COVID-19 vaccines in effort to boost low inoculation rates
https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/31/colorado-prisons-vaccine-distribution-incentive/
US - Kentucky’s Prison Coronavirus Defense Is Failing
https://news.wjct.org/post/kentucky-s-prison-coronavirus-defense-failing
US - Alabama begins vaccinating prisoners with surplus from rural clinics
Asia
Philippines - Overcrowding and harsh conditions led to COVID-19 spread among inmates
Philippines - BuCor urged to allow delivery of food, medicine to inmates in jail facilities
Europe
England and Wales - Prison lockdown has damaged inmates’ mental health, says report
https://www.channel4.com/news/prison-lockdown-has-damaged-inmates-mental-health-says-report
England and Wales - Ministry of Justice facing legal action over prisons
England and Wales - Chelmsford prisoners allowed visits for just 100 days throughout 2020 due to COVID-19
Ireland - Covid-19 infection rate at prisons Portlaoise and other Irish jails revealed in advice to NPHET
Oceania
Australia - Podcast series gives NSW prison officers a voice on life working in state's jails
News 31 March
Africa
Zimbabwe – 13 Prisoners Test Positive
http://www.newsdzezimbabwe.co.uk/2021/03/covid-19-13-prisoners-test-positive.html
Americas
Virus Outbreak In Chile Prison; Pinera On Jab Deal
US - Expert: 3 things could ease COVID-19 spread in prisons
https://www.futurity.org/covid-19-prisons-2537372/
US (Michigan) - How public health and prisons are intertwined
https://www.michiganradio.org/post/how-public-health-and-prisons-are-intertwined
US - Lawsuit demands immediate COVID-19 vaccinations for people incarcerated at Washington prisons
US (New York) - NY prisons to resume visitation in late April
Asia
India - Punjab: 44 inmates of women prison in Patiala test positive for COVID-19
India - Jail dept frees 1,349 prisoners
Europe
England and Wales - Covid outbreak at Dartmoor prison sees staff still recovering three months on
https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/plymouth-news/covid-outbreak-dartmoor-prison-sees-5244344
Ireland - 1,206 Prisoners Waiting For Psychology Services
https://www.midlands103.com/news/midlands-news/1206-prisoners-waiting-for-psychology-services/
Call for action after Scotland's Covid prisoner death toll revealed
News 30 March
Americas
Bermuda - Westgate inmates hit with Covid-19 infections
Trinidad & Tobago - Concerns raised after prisoner tests positive for COVID-19
https://www.looptt.com/content/concerns-raised-after-prisoner-tests-positive-covid-19
US - Most States Fail to Track Critical COVID-19 Data for Prisons, Jails and Juvenile Facilities
US - Youth Justice System Worsened During Pandemic: Report
https://thecrimereport.org/2021/03/29/youth-justice-system-worsened-during-pandemic-report/
US - New York Must Offer Vaccine to All Prisoners Immediately, Judge Rules
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/29/nyregion/covid-vaccine-new-york-prisons.html
US - Judge orders Oregon prison to stop foot-dragging on mask mandates; doctor ‘at war’ with staff over COVID-19 misinformation
US - Missouri Department of Corrections to restart visitation based on COVID-19 vaccinations
Asia
Cambodia - Prison department appeals for online hearings amid overcrowding
Thailand - Corrections Department drawing standard procedures
Europe
England and Wales - Coronavirus: Prisoners' children 'forgotten' during pandemic
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56420186
England and Wales - Government expert warns of “long tail” to Covid in jails
https://insidetime.org/government-expert-warns-of-long-tail-to-covid-in-jails/
England and Wales - Lewes Prison’s low Covid rate comes at ‘huge price’ for prisoners and families, charity says
Oceania
Australia - Prisoner quarantine based on ‘alarming absence’ of health advice
News 27-29 March
Africa
Cameroon Prisoners Blame Overcrowding, Poor Hygiene for COVID Spread
South Africa - Lockdown: More than 100 Covid-19 parolees rearrested for 'committing violent crimes'
Tunisia – Covid 19: Un programme de vaccination des détenus sera mis en place
https://lapresse.tn/92385/covid-19-un-programme-de-vaccination-des-detenus-sera-mis-en-place/
Americas
Canada - Alberta prisoner populations rise after 'unprecedented' drop during COVID's early months
St Vincent & the Grenadines - Prison visits to resume
http://www.searchlight.vc/searchlight/press-release/2021/03/26/prison-visits-to-resume/
US - COVID-19 Lockdowns Have Been Hard On Youth Locked Up
https://www.wclk.com/post/covid-19-lockdowns-have-been-hard-youth-locked
US - West Virginia Excels In Vaccine Rollout, But Still Overlooks Prison and Jail Inmates
US - Appeals Court Panel Rejects Texas Inmates’ COVID-19 Lawsuit
Asia
India - 4,204 prisoners released on bail, 41 on parole after COVID outbreak in J&K: DG Prisons
India - Over 2,000 jail inmates in Haryana get parole extension
Lebanon jails facing ‘hungry revolution’
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1833031/middle-east
Europe
England and Wales - Hundreds of Ranby Prison inmates contract virus since start of pandemic
England and Wales - Coronavirus outbreak at Wayland prison
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/health/another-covid-outbreak-at-wayland-prison-7854820
England and Wales - Home Office data shows almost 200 Covid cases reported at Chelmsford prison since last March
https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/home-office-data-shows-almost-5236858
France - Argentan. Sept nouveaux cas de Covid-19 à la prison en une semaine
Oceania
Australia - Further restrictions at Queensland Corrective Services facilities
https://www.miragenews.com/further-restrictions-at-queensland-corrective-536113/
Tonga prison head optimistic of resolution to overcrowding
News 26 March
Africa
Morocco - Covid-19 en prison: 77% des détenus prioritaires vaccinés
https://www.yabiladi.com/articles/details/107704/covid-19-prison-detenus-prioritaires-vaccines.html
Americas
Canada - Correctional service response to COVID-19 violates rights of incarcerated persons, lawsuit alleges
U.S. prisons start to resume allowing visits to inmates, with added virus precautions.
US - Inmate Distrust Of Prison Healthcare Fuels Distrust Of Covid Vaccines
US - Hundreds of Texas prisoners are getting vaccinated — months after many became eligible
https://www.texastribune.org/2021/03/25/texas-prisons-coronavirus-vaccines/
US - COVID in custody — one year into the failed pandemic response in Michigan’s prisons
Asia
Bahrain: Covid cases in prison under control
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210325-bahrain-covid-cases-in-prison-under-control/
Europe
Russian Justice Ministry drafts order on telephone talks of female prisoners with children
http://rapsinews.com/legislation_news/20210325/306894122.html
Oceania
Australia - Goulburn prison officers strike over 'nonchalant attitude' to safety
News 25 March
Africa
Togo-Interview/Idrissou Akibou : « La prison de Tsévié a été transformée en prison-hôpital »
Americas
US - Oregon’s Prison Guards Called COVID-19 the “Plandemic” and Spread Vaccine Myths to Inmates, Lawyers Say
US - Wisconsin prisoner population dropped in 2020 amid pandemic
https://www.startribune.com/wisconsin-prisoner-population-dropped-in-2020-amid-pandemic/600038356/
US - In About-Face, Missouri Places Prison Inmates In Final COVID-19 Vaccination Group
US - Denied Vaccines, People Incarcerated in Alabama Prisons Are Dying of Covid
https://eji.org/news/denied-vaccines-people-in-alabama-prisons-are-dying-of-covid/
US - Vaccines key to resuming Pennsylvania prison reforms, secretary tells lawmakers
Europe
Ireland's prisons are now 'Covid-free' after 100 cases recorded during pandemic
Luxembourg - Association of Prison Officers criticises decision to only prioritise prisoners
https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/1694226.html
Covid: Scottish prison chiefs ‘pilot’ mass testing for staff but not inmates
https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/politics/scottish-politics/3001372/covid-prison-test/
News 24 March
Africa
Gambia - Ministry Of Interior To Launch Prisons Rapid Assessment
https://www.voicegambia.com/2021/03/23/ministry-of-interior-to-launch-prisons-rapid-assessment/
Kenya - Covid-19: Prisons boss launches vaccination of 28,000 officers
https://nairobinews.nation.co.ke/news/covid-19-prisons-boss-launches-vaccination-of-28000-officers
Uganda prisons staff get COVID-19 vaccine jabs
https://www.independent.co.ug/uganda-prisons-staff-get-covid-19-vaccine-jabs/
Americas
Canada - Doctors and activists get together to denounce conditions in prisons
US - Fighting COVID Behind Bars
https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2021/march/covid-behind-bars-venters.html
US - California Prisons Restarting Visitations 1 Year Into Pandemic
US - Alaska prisons remain closed to visitors as mistrust undermines vaccination effort
US - About 1,000 Illinois prisoners to be released under COVID-19 lawsuit settlement
Europe
Britain sleepwalking into reoffending crisis
https://planetradio.co.uk/viking/local/news/britain-sleepwalking-into-reoffending-crisis/
England and Wales - Deaths in custody at HMP Durham rise during Covid pandemic while assaults fall, report reveals
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/deaths-custody-hmp-durham-rise-20239869
England and Wales - Prisoners at Nottinghamshire prison help make PPE for NHS staff
Malta - Methadone use in prison has almost halved in one year
https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/methadone-use-in-prison-has-almost-halved-in-one-year.859885
News 23 March
Africa
Botswana - Three Inmates Die From Covid-19
https://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?aid=89235&dir=2021/march/22
Ghana - Decongest prisons to curb COVID-19 - Joe Ghartey
https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/local/decongest-prisons-to-curb-covid-19-joe-ghartey/e71193c
Americas
Prison officers in Antigua and Barbuda protest over concerns made worse by COVID-19
Canada - Advocates critique rising jail figures in some provinces after initial COVID-19 fall
US - Inmates On Hunger Strike Protesting Arizona Prison Conditions
https://kjzz.org/content/1668692/inmates-hunger-strike-protesting-arizona-prison-conditions
US - The Unending Covid-19 Disaster In Maryland Prisons
https://therealnews.com/the-unending-covid-19-disaster-in-maryland-prisons
US - More Ohio prisons reopening for in-person visits as coronavirus infection rates drop
US - 63rd Alabama inmate dies after positive COVID test, still no vaccinations
Asia
Cambodia - Coronavirus increases crime causing packed prisons
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50828714/coronavirus-increases-crime-causing-packed-prisons/
Europe
Overcrowding in Belgian prisons leaves 148 inmates sleeping on the floor
England and Wales - Hull prison's turbulent year of being locked up in lockdown
News 20-22 March
Americas
Canada - ‘Folks are dying’: Community rallies for depopulation of Ontario jails after COVID-19 outbreaks
https://globalnews.ca/news/7709392/coronavirus-ontario-prison-depopulation/
US - How COVID Has Affected Policing And Incarceration
US - A Year Into The Pandemic, Illinois Prisons Still Have No Plan For In-Person Visits
US (Hawaii) - Questions Raised Over COVID Outbreak At Maui Jail
https://patch.com/hawaii/honolulu/questions-raised-over-covid-outbreak-maui-jail
US (Hawaii) - Swelling inmate populations prompt new fears about COVID outbreaks
Asia
India - Soft target: prisoners and pandemic
https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/soft-target-prisoners-and-pandemic/cid/1810270
India - Delhi Prisons steps up efforts to tackle COVID-19 as inmates return
Pakistan - Fourteen inmates of Lahore jail test Covid positive
https://nation.com.pk/19-Mar-2021/fourteen-inmates-of-lahore-jail-test-covid-positive
Philippines - A public health issue behind bars
https://www.rappler.com/voices/new-school/new-school-public-health-issue-behind-bars
Europe
Albania – St Kolli prison, Over 20 Inmates Affected by Covid-19
https://albaniandailynews.com/news/st-kolli-prison-more-than-20-inmates-affected-by-covid-19-1
England and Wales - A view from inside Gartree prison: How prisoners and staff near Harborough have dealt with Covid
Irish prison inspections cancelled for rest of the year
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/irish-prison-inspections-cancelled-for-rest-of-the-year-qb7mcnfdx
Luxembourg - First reported coronavirus case at Schrassig Prison, all other tests negative
https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/1692299.html
Scotland - Continued prison lockdowns are ‘de facto solitary confinement’
https://theferret.scot/prison-lockdowns-de-facto-solitary-confinement/
Oceania
Australia - ACT prison staff to receive extra training to defuse explosive situations
News 19 March
Africa
Cameroon - Coronavirus : flambée de la maladie à la prison principale de Nkongsamba
Americas
Bahamas - Prison officers demonstrate for 4 hours, demanding “give us our due”
https://ewnews.com/fed-up-prison-officers-demonstrate-for-4-hours-demanding-give-us-our-due
Jamaica - St Catherine prison inmate dies from COVID-19
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20210318/st-catherine-prison-inmate-dies-covid-19
Mexico - Inoculating prison inmates against Covid sparks debate in Quintana Roo
US - Less Than Half of Federal Bureau of Prisons Staff Have Accepted COVID Vaccines From the Agency
US - Family of man who died from Covid while incarcerated sues California prison system
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/mar/18/california-coronavirus-prison-system-lawsuit
US - Utah State Prison announces five more deaths tied to COVID-19
US - 'It takes a toll on your heart': Prison visitations resume for South Dakota inmates after a year of separation
US (Florida) - Gov. DeSantis defends omission of inmates in vaccine rollout
Asia
India - Uttar Pradesh: Over 1.16 lakh jail inmates to get COVID-19 vaccines on priority
Malaysia - Cabinet approves measures to overcome prison overcrowding
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/567298
Europe
England and Wales - Covid: Prison outbreaks thought to skew stats
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-56405523
Strike ballot to open at prisons across England and Wales
France - Covid-19. La contagion s'étend à la prison d'Argentan
Ireland - Covid-19 has ‘compounded’ mental health issues for prisoners – charity
https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40247195.html
Isle of Man - Two prison officers test positive for virus
News 18 March
COVID-19: Prisoners 'forgotten victims' of the pandemic - New Report
https://www.amnesty.org.uk/press-releases/covid-19-prisoners-forgotten-victims-pandemic-new-report
Americas
Constitutional challenge argues Parole Board of Canada is systematically violating prisoners’ right to timely post-suspension hearings
Inmates in Uruguay’s toughest prison volunteer for Covid-19 shot
https://www.laprensalatina.com/inmates-in-uruguays-toughest-prison-volunteer-for-covid-19-shot/
US - Prisoners Keep Dying of COVID While ‘Compassionate Releases’ Stall in Court
US - Covid Outbreaks Devastated Prisons, but State Inmates’ Access to the Vaccine Varies Widely
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/17/us/covid-prisoners-vaccine.html
US - MDOC and Maine CDC investigating COVID-19 outbreak at Maine State Prison
US Virgin Islands - V.I. Inmates Getting Vaccinated Against COVID
https://stthomassource.com/content/2021/03/17/v-i-inmates-getting-vaccinated-against-covid/
Asia
Malaysia - Covid-19: Over 11% of cases on Thursday (March 18) linked to prison, detention clusters
Nepal among countries that failed to provide fair treatment to prisoners during pandemic, Amnesty International says
Europe
Belgium - Over one in five inmates in Hasselt prison has coronavirus
Belgium - Coronavirus: l'Observatoire des prisons dénonce une situation "cauchemardesque" à Saint-Gilles
Third of remand prisoners in England being held beyond legal time limit for trials
England and Wales - Leeds council boss blames city's rising Covid rates on outbreaks in prisons
https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/news/leeds-news/leeds-council-boss-blames-citys-20191885
News 17 March
Africa
South Africa - Covid-19: Outbreaks at Western Cape school, prison reignite third wave fears
COVID-19: Zimbabwe grants pardons to ease crowded jails
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/covid-19-zimbabwe-grants-pardons-to-ease-crowded-jails/2178593
Americas
Canada - Toronto South jail faces outbreak of 70 COVID-19 cases, more than half linked to variant of concern
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/toronto-south-jail-faces-outbreak-234932818.html
US - The Struggle to Vaccinate People in Jails and Prisons
https://www.wired.com/story/covid-19-prisons-vaccines/
US (Pennsylvania) - Two Pa. prisons have vaccinated more than 70% of inmates. An incentive program may be the difference
US - Inmate lawsuits blame California for prison COVID spread
https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Inmate-lawsuits-blame-California-for-spreading-16031194.php
US - Oklahoma prisons reopen to visitors as vaccine access grows
https://www.kten.com/story/43507629/oklahoma-prisons-reopen-to-visitors-as-vaccine-access-grows
US - Alaska Department of Corrections loosens pandemic visitation policy, allowing lawyers to meet with vaccinated inmates
Europe
England and Wales - Covid death rate in prisons three times higher than outside
England and Wales - Prisoners and jail staff should get Covid vaccine priority, report states
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/prisoners-jail-staff-should-covid-20192102
England and Wales - Thousands of children have not seen parents for a year: Hidden impact of COVID on prisoners' families
https://phys.org/news/2021-03-thousands-children-parents-year-hidden.html
England and Wales - Scale of Covid outbreaks in Norfolk prisons far bigger than reported
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/crime/norfolk-coronavirus-prison-cases-much-bigger-7829400
France - COVID : Dans Les Prisons Françaises, Des Clusters De Contamination Apparaissent
News 16 March
Americas
US (California) - What It’s Like To Be Trapped In A Women’s Prison During A Pandemic
https://www.elle.com/culture/career-politics/a35766530/prison-pandemic-story-michele-scott/
US - Florida prison staff, inmates wait on word for vaccine eligibility
US - Wisconsin Inmates Say Prisons Didn't Protect Them From COVID-19 As Infection Rates Skyrocketed
US - Delaware bill would cut jail time during health crisis
https://whyy.org/articles/delaware-bill-would-cut-jail-time-during-health-crisis/
Europe
England and Wales - More than half of prisoners at under-staffed Long Lartin live in cells with no sink, toilet or running water, inspectors find
England and Wales - HMP Lowdham Grange's coronavirus outbreak in September was 'one of the biggest' in a prison at that time, according to HM Inspectorate of Prisons report
France - Covid-19 : les conditions de vie dans les prisons se dégradent
Turkish prison conditions worsen amid pandemic
https://www.dw.com/en/turkish-prison-conditions-worsen-amid-pandemic/a-56883451
News 13 – 15 March
Americas
Antigua - Work to complete isolation quarters continues amid Covid outbreak at prison
US prison guards refusing vaccine despite COVID-19 outbreaks
US - Covid Is Hitting Correctional Officers. Prisoners Are Paying the Price | Opinion
US - In-person prison visits to resume in Michigan, but through plexiglass shields
US (Iowa) - Expanded COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Won't Apply To State Prisons, DOC Says
US - North Dakota prison system reopens for in-person visitation
US - Kansas prisons report 16th COVID death
https://www.iolaregister.com/news/kansas-prisons-report-16th-covid-death
US (South Carolina) - Virtual visits to roll out in SC prisons after a year of no in-person visits
Asia
India - A Crisis in the Making: From De-congestion to Re-Congestion in Prisons
https://www.barandbench.com/columns/crisis-making-from-decongestion-to-recongestion-in-prisons
Sri Lanka - Twenty-seven more COVID-19 cases reported from prisons
http://www.adaderana.lk/news/72283/twenty-seven-more-covid-19-cases-reported-from-prisons
Europe
Europe’s prisoners left in limbo on coronavirus vaccinations
https://www.politico.eu/article/europe-prisoners-limbo-coronavirus-vaccinations/
England and Wales - One in five prisoners will refuse jab, survey finds
https://insidetime.org/one-in-five-prisoners-will-refuse-jab-survey-finds/
England and Wales - HMP Hull coronavirus outbreak infects '119 prisoners and staff'
France - Covid-19 : un cluster s'est déclaré à la prison de Muret
France - Des détenus positifs au Covid-19 à la prison d'Argentan
News 12 March
Americas
Canada - Red Cross called in to assist COVID-19 outbreak at Drumheller prison
US (California) - ACLU files lawsuit seeking release or vaccination of more San Diego County inmates after latest Covid-19 outbreak
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/12/us/san-diego-lawsuit-prison-coronavirus/index.html
US - DOC reinstates visitation at Louisiana’s state-run prisons
https://www.ksla.com/2021/03/11/doc-reinstates-visitation-louisianas-state-run-prisons/
US (Vermont) - Newport prison outbreak continues; 127 active cases
https://www.wcax.com/2021/03/11/newport-prison-outbreak-continues-127-active-cases/
US - Response To COVID-19 In Michigan Prisons Is Cruel And Unusual Punishment, Say Advocates
US - Oregon’s prisons have offered a vaccine to every inmate in custody
https://www.opb.org/article/2021/03/11/coronavirus-vaccine-oregon-prisons-covid-19-doses-inmates/
Europe
Belgium - Coronavirus: grève émotionnelle à la prison de Saint-Gilles
England and Wales - Prison officers to be given early access to spare vaccines
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/03/11/prison-officers-given-early-access-spare-vaccines/
England and Wales - Prison staff boosting mental wellbeing and rehabilitation during pandemic
England and Wales - Crime expert issues warning after prisoners 'forgotten' during pandemic
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/crime-expert-issues-warning-after-20067524
England and Wales - Second Covid outbreak confirmed at Hull Prison
Guernsey - Prison restarts visits as part of stage two
https://guernseypress.com/news/2021/03/12/prison-restarts-visits-as-part-of-stage-two/
Italy jail population down 12% in last yr - Antigone
News 11 March
Africa
COVID-19: Morocco Launches Vaccination Campaign in Prison Near Rabat
Americas
Canada - Prisoners refuse meals amid COVID-19 outbreak at Hamilton jail, 72 people infected
US - U.S. jail population plunged as COVID-19 spread, Justice Department says
https://news.trust.org/item/20210310135701-d257y/
US (New York) - ‘A Ticking Time Bomb’: City Jails Are Crowded Again, Stoking Covid Fears
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/10/nyregion/nyc-jail-covid.html
US - As COVID-19 spreads fast in Florida prisons, no vaccines have been given to its inmates
US - Coronavirus Plummets In Massachusetts Prisons And Jails, But Experts Urge Caution
US - Oklahoma: People who are incarcerated not yet eligible for COVID vaccine
Asia
India - Prisons and the pandemic
https://www.telegraphindia.com/opinion/prisons-and-the-pandemic/cid/1809124
Europe
England and Wales - Two die after Covid outbreak at HMP Erlestoke
https://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/19152251.two-die-prison-covid-outbreak/
England and Wales - Covid: Derbyshire Dales spike 'linked to outbreak at HMP Sudbury'
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-56357730
Scotland - Covid: Outbreak of virus at Porterfield Prison in Inverness
News 10 March
Impact of COVID-19 ‘heavily felt’ by prisoners globally: UN expert
https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/03/1086802
Africa
Rwanda - Inmates grateful as Covid-19 vaccination exercise is taken to prisons
https://www.newtimes.co.rw/news/inmates-grateful-covid-19-vaccination-exercise-taken-prisons
South Africa - Prison visits allowed again under lockdown Level 1. Here are the rules
Americas
Canada - Legal groups object to isolation order for freed prisoners in Thunder Bay
US - Unseen and Unheard: Art and Writing from Inside Prison Walls during COVID-19
https://www.vera.org/unseen-and-unheard
US - Texas lifts yearlong ban on prison visitation beginning March 15
https://www.texastribune.org/2021/03/09/texas-prisons-visitation/
US - 1 in 4 California prison employees got COVID-19. Inmates have herd immunity at 7 sites
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/the-state-worker/article249734353.html
US - South Dakota correctional staff, inmates offered COVID-19 vaccine — but the state won't say how many are taking it
US - North Carolina is releasing thousands of prisoners early. It’s the sensible thing to do.
https://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/article249809233.html
US (Massachusetts) - 'I Don’t Want To Die In Here': One Woman's Experience With COVID While Incarcerated
Europe
England and Wales - ‘Unacceptable failure’ at youth jail, minister says
https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/national/19147772.unacceptable-failure-youth-jail-minister-says/
England and Wales - South Cave coronavirus cases plummet after prison curbs Covid outbreak
News 9 March
COVID-19 pandemic exposes how little we know about prison conditions globally
Africa
Burundi's president grants amnesty to 5,000 prisoners
https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/burundi-president-amnesty-prisoners-3316706
Americas
Canada - An inside look at how the pandemic is being managed at Grand Valley Institution
US - White youths released far faster than Black youths during COVID-19 pandemic, new study finds
US (New York) – Report Finds Three Rikers Detainees Who Died of COVID-19 Were Held in Packed Dorms
US - California prisons order employees to wear masks in pandemic
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/the-state-worker/article249790438.html
US - Delaware prisons resuming in-person visits, but virtual sessions remain popular option
Asia
Inmates in Bahrain prison given COVID-19 jabs
https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/life/story/Inmates_in_Bahrain_prison_given_COVID19_jabs-SNG_203242146/
Europe
England and Wales - Covid-19 outbreak reported at Whatton prison near Grantham
https://www.granthamjournal.co.uk/news/covid-19-outbreak-reported-at-whatton-prison-9159175/
England and Wales - Covid cases at Sudbury prison leads to measures
https://www.staffordshire-live.co.uk/news/covid-cases-sudbury-prison-leads-5086325
England and Wales - Governor of HMP Liverpool sends letter to family of every inmate over mass testing
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/governor-hmp-liverpool-sends-letter-19997784
France - Covid-19 : "Il devient impossible d'appliquer les mesures minimales de prévention", alerte la contrôleuse générale des prisons
Ireland - Prisoners to be vaccinated as one cohort in group 9 of rollout
News 6-8 March
Africa
Ghana - Prisons Officers, VRA Staff Vaccinate Against COVID-19
https://www.peacefmonline.com/pages/local/health/202103/440344.php
Americas
Canada - 'They're still human beings': Drumheller prison lockdown causing mental health crisis, inmates' families say
Canada - One month after major COVID-19 outbreak, workers call for prison inmates to get vaccine
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/union-calls-for-inmates-covid-19-vaccine-bordeaux-1.5940014
Canada’s prison inmates receiving substandard health care, lawsuit alleges
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/canada-prison-inmates-receiving-substandard-030106296.html
Experts say mass incarceration crippled U.S. response to COVID-19
https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/experts-say-mass-incarceration-crippled-covid-19-response
US - Tennessee panel: Vaccinating inmates a 'PR nightmare,' despite high-risk status
US - Three cases of South African coronavirus variant found in Colorado prison
https://coloradosun.com/2021/03/07/colorado-coronavirus-south-african-variant/
US - Delaware inmates will soon be allowed to have in-person visitors
US (New York) - How the City Failed Three Men Who Died of COVID-19 in Jail: Watchdog
https://www.thecity.nyc/2021/3/8/22318504/nyc-failed-inmates-died-covid-rikers-jails
US (Hawaii) - Growing COVID-19 Outbreak At Maui Jail Has Inmates, Families Worried
Asia
India - ‘85% staff of Delhi prisons received Covid vaccine shots’
India - Jail inmates to get vax soon, says official in Maharashtra
India - Odisha prisoners to get Covid vaccine inside jails
Malaysia - SDMC says 42 detainees in Sibu prison tested positive for Covid-19
Maldives - Covid-19 inoculation drive to begin in prisons
Philippines - Prisoners in priority list of vaccine recipients—DoH
https://www.bworldonline.com/prisoners-in-priority-list-of-vaccine-recipients-doh/
Philippines - Livelihood programs give former inmates ‘second chance’ at life during pandemic
https://www.rappler.com/moveph/former-inmates-second-chance-livelihood-programs-coronavirus-pandemic
Europe
Belgium - La prison de Namur toujours en quarantaine
https://www.rtbf.be/info/regions/detail_la-prison-de-namur-toujours-en-quarantaine?id=10714106
Belgium - La flambée des cas de Covid-19 se poursuit à la prison de Hasselt : 45 nouvelles contaminations
England and Wales - 24 prison inmates died with coronavirus in two weeks
https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/19142737.24-prison-inmates-died-coronavirus-two-weeks/
France - Covid-19 : « Chaque jour, les directeurs de prison redoutent la transformation de leur établissement en cluster »
France - 14 personnels de la prison de Draguignan positifs à la Covid-19
Drop of 8% in Irish prison population since Covid pandemic hit
Less than 100 Covid cases among Irish prisoners since pandemic began, new figures reveal
https://www.thesun.ie/news/6669926/irish-prisons-covid-19-prison-officers/
Inmates in Turkish prisons to be allowed to send, receive e-mails
News 5 March
Americas
Canada - Opinion: COVID-19 intensifies already inhumane conditions in prisons
US - The Ever-Growing Challenges of Getting Books Into Prisons
https://bookriot.com/books-in-prisons/
US - Education in Prison: Remote Learning During COVID-19 Has Failed Students
https://www.teenvogue.com/story/education-prison-coronavirus
US (Maine) - State says people in jails and prisons will have to keep waiting for vaccines
US - Alaska Black Caucus pushes for pandemic-induced prison visitation restrictions to be loosened
US - Corrections commissioner calls Vermont prison outbreak a ‘crisis’
https://www.wcax.com/2021/03/04/corrections-commissioner-calls-vermont-prison-outbreak-a-crisis/
US - Nevada prisoners begin receiving COVID-19 vaccine
https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/nevada-prisoners-begin-receiving-covid-19-vaccine-2294807/
Asia
Prisoners Put to Work in Thai Factories Desperate for Labor
Europe
England and Wales - The impact of lockdown when you're already locked up
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-03/su-tio030421.php
England and Wales - Covid-19: HMP Lowdham Grange praised for handling of outbreak
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-56286498
England and Wales - Prison outbreak gives Liverpool area highest Covid rate in England
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/prison-outbreak-gives-liverpool-area-19965980
France - Clusters en prison : "Une des solutions" pour les réduire, "c'est de faire chuter la population carcérale", défend l’Observatoire international des prisons
News 4 March
Americas
US - Vaccination plus Decarceration — Stopping Covid-19 in Jails and Prisons
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2100609
US - Report: Arizona To Begin Vaccinating Inmates In State Prisons
https://kjzz.org/content/1663760/report-arizona-begin-vaccinating-inmates-state-prisons
US (New Jersey) - Prison was devastated by COVID, but didn’t receive money to combat pandemic. N.J. lawmakers ask why.
Europe
England and Wales - Calls for mass prisoners’ vaccination rejected despite JCVI recommendation
Malta Plans To Electronically Tag Prisoners So They Can Serve Their Sentences From Home
Scotland - HMP and YOI Grampian healthcare staff 'tired and over-stretched'
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-56270374
Oceania
Australia (Victoria) - ‘Inhuman’: Mandatory quarantine for prisoners to be extended into next year
News 3 March
Africa
Ghana - Officials push for relocation of ‘congested’ Kumasi Central Prison
Zimbabwe - Six Prison Guards Die From COVID-19
https://www.zimeye.net/2021/03/02/six-prison-guards-die-from-covid-19/
Zimbabwe - How Safe Are Prisoners When Prison Guards Are Dying From COVID-19?
https://www.zimeye.net/2021/03/02/how-safe-are-prisoners-when-prison-guards-are-dying-from-covid-19/
Americas
St Lucia - BCF Director says COVID outbreak caused by unrest at prison
http://www.loopslu.com/content/bcf-director-says-covid-outbreak-caused-unrest-prison
US - Reps. Kim and Trahan Lead Bipartisan Call for Department of Justice to Limit Spread of COVID-19 in Federal Prisons
US (North Carolina) - Waters muddied on early release after lawmakers told only non-violent offenders included
US (California) - In LA County Jails, Coronavirus Chaos Keeps People Locked Up Longer
https://theintercept.com/2021/03/02/covid-jails-los-angeles-court-dates/
US - COVID-19 Is Racing Through Vermont's Largest Prison
US - Public visits will soon resume at South Dakota prisons
Asia
Philippines - Elderly inmates included in vaccine priority list
https://www.rappler.com/nation/elderly-inmates-part-covid-19-vaccine-priority-list
Europe
Belgium - Covid-19 : l'armée appelée en appui à la prison de Namur
England and Wales - Covid outbreak at prison - as health chief says it is 'difficult setting' to reduce transmission
England and Wales - Hundreds of prisoners and staff revealed to have had coronavirus
https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/suffolk-prison-coronavirus-outbreaks-confirmed-7797578
France - Un nouveau cluster à Fleury-Mérogis souligne la situation sanitaire alarmante des prisons
News 2 March
Africa
South Africa - Prisoners give management an ultimatum
https://www.groundup.org.za/article/st-albans-prisoners-end-hunger-strike/
Zimbabwe - Vaccination goes to prisons
https://www.herald.co.zw/vaccination-goes-to-prisons/
Americas
US - California prison agency failed to notify employees exposed to COVID-19, regulator says
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/the-state-worker/article249550873.html
US - Alabama prisons rank eighth-deadliest due to COVID, yet no inmate vaccinations
Asia
Cambodia - Prisons have COVID-19 under control
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50819550/prisons-have-covid-19-under-control/
India - SC refuses to extend bail of prisoners freed due to Covid
Philippines - Group wants prisoners included in gov’t Covid-19 mass vaccination plan
Europe
England and Wales - Prisoners’ COVID deaths ‘failings’: PPO report
https://insidetime.org/prisoners-covid-deaths-failings-ppo-report/
England and Wales - Two inmates dead and four in hospital after coronavirus outbreak at prison
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/coronavirus-prison-deaths-hmp-risley-b1810189.html
England and Wales - Walton inmate 'hasn't showered in days' as jail remains in lockdown after covid outbreak
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/walton-inmate-hasnt-showered-days-19939481
Italy - COVID: Jail guard cases up 26 to 557
News 27 February – 1 March
Africa
South Africa - Concern over prison Covid-19 stats
Americas
Canada - B.C. prisoners asked for masks for months, didn't receive PPE until they tested positive for COVID-19, mom says
US - How Prisoners Feel About Getting Vaccinated
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2021/03/prison-vaccines-survey.html
US - Most states aren't prioritizing prisons for COVID vaccines
US - Vulnerable Inmates Left in Prison as Covid Rages
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/27/health/coronavirus-prisons-danbury.html
US - Michigan prison system's coronavirus variant cases more than triple
US (Michigan) - State fines prison $6,300 for failing COVID-19 safety rules
https://www.wxyz.com/news/state-fines-prison-6-300-for-failing-covid-19-safety-rules
Asia
Cambodia - Prison project on hold due to Covid
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/prison-project-hold-due-covid
India - How Covid pandemic hit the justice system
Sri Lanka - Health authorities raise concerns of COVID cluster in Jaffna prison
Europe
Covid-19: Belgium prisoners quarantined after virus outbreak
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-56222996
England and Wales - Prison outbreak 'difficult' to contain as Covid spreads through inmates in Birmingham
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/prison-outbreak-difficult-contain-covid-19926089
England and Wales - Huge Covid outbreak in prison as more than 120 inmates test positive
England and Wales - Lockdown at Walton jail after staff and prisoners test positive for covid
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/lockdown-walton-jail-after-staff-19921280
England and Wales - Covid outbreak at Leeds jail HMP Wealstun means prisoners kept in 'ridiculous' conditions
France - Prison. La surpopulation carcérale augmente encore avec 63 802 personnes détenues au 1er février
In a Greek Detention Center, an Official Uses TV to Teach Prisoners
Irish prisons face 'unprecedented' Covid-19 challenged after virus detected in Dublin and Laois jails
News 26 February
Americas
Canada - U of S researchers to look at effects of COVID-19 on Sask. jail inmate population
US (North Carolina) - NC to release 3,500 state prison inmates early in COVID lawsuit agreement
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article249516810.html
US - Why is COVID Spreading in Connecticut Prisons?
https://thecrimereport.org/2021/02/25/why-is-covid-spreading-in-connecticut-prisons/
Venezuela cell block overcrowding hits triple capacity, rights group warns
Asia
Bangladesh - Plan to vaccinate 15k convicts in jail in first phase
https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/news/plan-vaccinate-15k-convicts-jail-first-phase-2051185
Europe
England and Wales - Call for prison officers to get vaccine as two local prisons suspend taking new inmates
England and Wales - 'Significant' Covid outbreak at HMP Birmingham after 'large number' of cases reported
England and Wales - Covid: Rutland's infection spike 'due to HMP Stocken testing'
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-56190666
England and Wales - Covid outbreak at Dorset prison affects more than 120 inmates
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-56199201
Ireland - 10% Of Inmates At Arbour Hill Prison Have Tested Positive For Covid 19.
https://kfmradio.com/news/26022021-1101/10-inmates-arbour-hill-prison-have-tested-positive-covid-19
Scotland - Special team sent in as jail staff fear ‘powder-keg’ Addiewell Prison is ‘about to blow’
Spain - Soaring scabies and Covid cases set off alarms in Catalan prisons
News 25 February
Africa
Uganda - Seven inmates at Busesa prison test positive for Covid-19
https://www.independent.co.ug/seven-inmates-at-busesa-prison-test-positive-for-covid-19/
Americas
Inmate COVID-19 cases at Sask. Pen account for nearly 30% of all cases in Canada's prisons during 2nd wave
Guyana - Inmates lodged 437 complaints of mistreatment in prison over the last 6 months
Jamaica - Female prisoner dies from COVID-19
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/female-prisoner-dies-from-covid-19_215674?profile=1373
US (California) - Lessons From a Prison Where COVID-19 ‘Spread Like Wildfire'
US (Oklahoma) - Tablets, video calls coming with costs for inmates, families
https://journalrecord.com/2021/02/24/tablets-video-calls-coming-with-costs-for-inmates-families/
US (Kentucky) - Families Push for In-Person Prison Visits To Be Restored
https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-east/news/2021/02/24/prison-visitation
Asia
Cambodia - Prisons bar visits as courts adjourn trials amid Covid
https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/prisons-bar-visits-courts-adjourn-trials-amid-covid
Europe
England and Wales - Covid and prisons: ‘A tragic lost opportunity’
https://www.politics.co.uk/comment/2021/02/24/covid-and-prisons-a-tragic-lost-opportunity/
England and Wales - More than 100 prisoners have died of COVID-19
https://www.thejusticegap.com/prisoners-with-covid-symptoms-must-be-isolated-says-watchdog/
England and Wales - Vaccinate prisoners en masse, not police or teachers, JCVI tells ministers
England and Wales - Mass testing stepped up after huge coronavirus outbreak at Doncaster jail
News 24 February
Americas
Canada - COVID-19 hit federal prisons twice as hard in 2nd wave of pandemic, report says
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/csc-prisoners-covid19-second-wave-1.5923707
US - Virtual Art Classes, Outdoor Vocational Programs: How Jails and Prisons Are Evolving Amid the Pandemic
US - 40% of inmates in California’s corrections system have been vaccinated for COVID-19
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-02-23/la-me-california-prison-system-vaccination
US - Iowa DOC Reports 19th Prison Inmate Death From COVID-19
US (Connecticut) - Three weeks into COVID-19 vaccinations, DOC has vaccinated 10% of inmates, 40% of staff
Asia
Why India must include prisoners in its immunisation drive
Europe
England and Wales - Three Greater Manchester prisons are now dealing with Covid-19 outbreaks
England and Wales - The special measures being deployed to curb huge spike in coronavirus cases at East Yorkshire prison
News 23 February
Americas
Authorities in Barbados say prison now COVID-19 free
New studies to track prevalence of coronavirus antibodies in Canada's prison system amid surge in cases
Canada - Occupancy at B.C. jails down about 30 per cent compared to pre-pandemic times
US - Maryland Prison Allowed COVID-19 To Spread Rapidly, Lawsuit Alleges
https://dcist.com/story/21/02/22/md-lawsuit-prison-coronavirus-spread-chesapeake-detention-facility/
US (Hawaii) - Prison Oversight Commission Requests Analysis of Inmate Deaths
US - Ohio Prisons Start To Welcome Visitors Again
https://radio.wosu.org/post/ohio-prisons-start-welcome-visitors-again#stream/0
US - New Jersey Supreme Court Opens Door for Release of Pre-Trial Detainees
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=89e85f26-5a4f-49d2-9ed1-f7ea240be00a
US (California) - Judge Considers Pandemic Isolation Strategy of Denying Jail Inmates Exercise
Asia
India - What Covid-19 taught us about state of our prisons
India - Increase number of weekly video conference of prisoners with lawyers: plea in HC
Europe
England and Wales - It’s not too late to prevent more COVID deaths say prison campaigners
Strangeways prison hit by coronavirus outbreak, as UK inmate death toll tops 100
England and Wales - Covid outbreak at Peterborough prison with ‘up to 100 cases’
England and Wales - New system at HMP Lowdham Grange after 177 inmates affected by Covid outbreak
https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/new-system-hmp-lowdham-grange-5030537
Ireland - Two prisoners and several staff test positive for COVID-19 at Arbour Hill Prison
https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/two-prisoners-several-staff-test-19893262
News 20 – 22 February
Africa
Nigeria - NAS tells FG to implement health protection regulations in prisons, military detention cells
Americas
Canada - HMP officials knew about COVID-19 exposure last week, NAPE president says
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/travis-pottle-hmp-covid-19-1.5919823
Canada - Former Saskatchewan Penitentiary inmate calls COVID-19 outbreak ‘inevitable’
https://globalnews.ca/news/7650451/saskatchewan-penitentiary-inmate-covid-19-outbreak-coronavirus/
US - Compassionate Release During COVID-19
https://www.theregreview.org/2021/02/22/downey-compassionate-release-during-covid-19/
US - Michigan prisons near ‘herd immunity,’ but coronavirus variant poses new threat
US (Pennsylvania) - COVID lays bare our treatment of inmates
US (Missouri) - St. Louis NAACP files complaint on lack of prisoner vaccines
Asia
India - Delhi: High Powered Committee recommends no more extension in interim bails
36 Israeli prisoners test positive for COVID-19
https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/36-israeli-prisoners-test-positive-for-covid-19-659729
Nepal - Inmates undergo suffering in crowded jail
https://english.khabarhub.com/2021/21/165078/
Sri Lanka - Prison COVID-19 cluster shrinks to 99 inmates
https://www.nation.lk/online/prison-covid-19-cluster-shrinks-to-99-inmates-58061.html
Europe
Belgium - Confinement strict à la prison de Namur après plus de 50 cas de Covid-19: "C’est du jamais vu"
England and Wales - Court delays allow violent offenders to avoid prison
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/20/court-delays-allow-violent-offenders-to-avoid-prison
England and Wales - Suspects awaiting trial pleading guilty to escape 22-hour Covid prison lockdowns
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/suspects-awaiting-trial-pleading-guilty-23536529
England and Wales - Five wings of Forest Bank prison in lockdown due to COVID outbreak
Ireland - Covid-19 tests for prisoners and officers at Midlands Prison
Covid Scotland: Outbreaks in Scottish prisons as cases nearly double in a week
News 19 February
Americas
Canada - No books, visits, or showers: Pandemic prison conditions in Quebec spark human rights debate
https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/quebec-jails-covid-19-pandemic-human-rights/
Canada - 30 inmates infected in COVID-19 outbreak at Quebec minimum-security prison
Canada - Ontario confirms Indigenous jail inmates are a priority for Phase 1 of vaccine rollout
US - More than half of Virginia's prison population gets COVID-19 vaccination
US (Massachusetts) - Judge rejects latest request to release prisoners due to COVID-19
US (Illinois) - Ten People Died After Chicago Refused To Stop Jailing People During COVID-19 Pandemic
US - Despite a raging pandemic and bail reform efforts, thousands of West Virginians remain jailed, awaiting their day in court
Asia
Bangladesh - ‘Virtual courts have significantly reduced overcrowding in jails’
Philippines - Red Cross supports BJMP’s visiting program
https://manilastandard.net/mobile/article/347386
Europe
Belgium - La prison de Namur placée en confinement strict
England and Wales - New figures highlight scale of Exeter Prison Covid outbreak
https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/new-figures-highlight-scale-exeter-5018032
England and Wales - Covid social distancing sensors given to Dovegate prison staff after outbreak
https://www.staffordshire-live.co.uk/news/covid-social-distancing-sensors-given-5017258
Scotland - Coronavirus outbreak confirmed at West Lothian jail as prisoners locked down
Turkey begins vaccinating prisoners following criticism
https://ahvalnews.com/covid-19/turkey-begins-vaccinating-prisoners-following-criticism
News 18 February
Americas
Canada - ‘I couldn’t really breathe’: Former inmate on COVID-19 at federal prison
US - ACLU: Ohio Legislature Not Addressing COVID-19 'Human Rights Crisis' in Prisons
US (Pennsylvania) - Fighting COVID-19 called top Pa. prisons priority
US - Delaware DOC Using New Technology to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 in State Prisons
US (Hawaii) - Proposal Would Make Information on Inmate Deaths Public
https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/post/proposal-would-make-information-inmate-deaths-public#stream/0
Asia
Malaysia - Prison Inmate Caught Covid-19 After Waiting Six Months For Bail: Lawyer
Europe
England and Wales - Mass Covid vaccination plan for all prisoners and staff
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mass-covid-vaccination-plan-for-all-prisoners-and-staff-dnsqvt70z
England and Wales - Covid-19 outbreak confirmed at 700-inmate prison, officials confirm
https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/covid-19-outbreak-confirmed-700-5013699
England and Wales - Staff at Doncaster prison use new devices to help with social distancing during pandemic
England and Wales - Medi-tech firm helps ease pressure on NHS by keeping prisoners out of hospital
https://www.business-live.co.uk/technology/medi-tech-firm-helps-ease-19857776
Ireland - Three prisoners test positive for Covid-19 at Midlands Prison
https://www.thejournal.ie/covid-prisoners-midlands-prison-5357739-Feb2021/
Northern Ireland - Governor among six staff at young offenders’ centre to test positive for Covid
News 17 February
Africa
Lesotho: Prisons' Covid-19 Nightmare
https://allafrica.com/stories/202102170472.html
Americas
Canada - Bordeaux and three other Quebec jails hit with COVID-19 wave
Jamaica - COVID concern in prisons
US - A brief guide to who gets to decide which prisoners are released early
US - Illinois' prison population the lowest it's been in 3 decades
https://newschannel20.com/news/local/illinois-prison-population-the-lowest-its-been-in-3-decades
US (North Carolina) - Prison vaccination data leaves unanswered questions
https://carolinapublicpress.org/42493/prison-vaccination-data-leaves-unanswered-questions/
US (Massachusetts) - Lawsuit On COVID Prison Releases Shows Many DOC Workers Refusing Vaccine
https://www.wbur.org/news/2021/02/17/lawsuit-covid-prison-releases-shows-doc-workers-vaccine
Asia
India - Haryana: Prisoners released on parole in wake of COVID-19 to be sent back to jail
India - Delhi HC Sends Plea Seeking COVID-19 Vaccine For Jail Staff, Prisoners To Division Bench
Malaysia - Prisons’ Covid-19 SOPs aren’t working, Putrajaya told
Europe
England and Wales - Inmates' families blast 'inhumane conditions' at Exeter Prison
https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/inmates-families-blast-inhumane-conditions-5006877
Italy - COVID: Lazio jails to get jab in mid-March
Coronavirus Scotland: Over 1,200 cons self-isolating after surge in prison cases
News 16 February
Americas
Canada - COVID-19 underscores the many failures of imprisonment
https://www.halifaxexaminer.ca/featured/covid-19-underscores-the-many-failures-of-imprisonment/
Canada - Bordeaux prison inmates hold hunger strike over confinement measures
US - Solitary Confinement May Worsen Covid-19 Transmission in Prisons
https://undark.org/2021/02/15/solitary-confinement-covid-19/
US - Falling inmate numbers inspire push for more NYS prison closures
Asia
Malaysia - Hold online appeal hearings for prisoners, says Bar
Europe
England and Wales - Prison officers 'lambs to slaughter' as prison Covid infections quadruple
https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/prison-officers-lambs-to-slaughter-as-prison-covid-infections-quadruple/
England and Wales - Covid-19 outbreak confirmed at HMP Moorlands as 80 prisoners and staff test positive
France - Quand Le Covid-19 Perturbe La Distribution De Vêtements En Prison
Northern Ireland - Non-vulnerable jail staff and prisoners 'must also get jabs'
Exclusive: Scottish inmates not coronavirus tested before prison transfers
https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/politics/scottish-politics/2903350/coronavirus-inmates/
Coronavirus Scotland: Almost 260 people infected at Kilmarnock jail
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/ayrshire/coronavirus-scotland-more-270-people-23505109
News 13-15 February
Africa
South Africa - Prisoners call on watchdog to exercise stronger oversight of their treatment by warders
Americas
Canada - Port Coquitlam jail outbreak leads to 26 cases of COVID-19
US - Arizona’s prison population declines by 11% during pandemic
https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/arizonas-prison-population-declines-by-11-during-pandemic1
US (Illinois) - Despite federal and state guidance to reduce jail populations, few inmates convicted of nonviolent crimes have been released early
US (Hawaii) - Relatives of Halawa inmates who died of COVID criticize prison officials
US - ‘He shouldn’t have had to die’: COVID-19 infects half of Wisconsin inmates, five times the overall state rate
Asia
India - Prisoners on parole due to Covid-19 to surrender from Feb 17
India - Haryana High Powered Committee Orders Re-admission Of 2,580 Convicts Released Earlier
Malaysia - Citing prison overcrowding, group urges reform to rehabilitate minor drug users
Pakistan - Prisoners and the pandemic
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2284106/prisoners-the-pandemic
Saudi Arabia - COVID-19: Safety of prisoners, detainees stressed
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1808846/saudi-arabia
Sri Lanka - Vaccination of over 5,000 prison officers to begin tomorrow
https://www.nation.lk/online/vaccination-of-over-5-000-prison-officers-to-begin-tomorrow-55698.html
Europe
England and Wales - One in eight prisoners in England and Wales have had Covid
England and Wales - Locked up for 22 hours a day: Women’s prisons during the pandemic
England and Wales - Authorities tackle Covid outbreak at HMP Erlestoke
https://www.gazetteandherald.co.uk/news/19087807.authorities-tackle-covid-outbreak-hmp-erlestoke/
England and Wales - How Covid spread through Norwich prison
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/crime/how-coronavirus-spread-through-norwich-prison-7321400
England and Wales - Covid-19: HMP Littlehey 'missed opportunities' in first reported inmate virus death
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-56027105
Scotland - Covid-19 outbreak confirmed at Dumfries prison
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/covid-19-outbreak-confirmed-dumfries-23489501
Scotland - Covid outbreak in Addiewell prison leads to spike in cases
Oceania
Australia (Victoria) - Crime decline raises question mark over state’s prison plans
News 12 February
Africa
Benin - Covid-19 Et Interdiction D’accès Aux Prisons: Le Sort Des Détenus Mineurs Inquiète Les Osc
Zambia - Prisons record 100 Covid positive cases among inmates, officers
Americas
Canada - Broken telephone: How Ontario’s prison-phone system leaves inmates disconnected
Canada - Manitoba Justice stops planned vaccinations for Brandon Correctional Centre inmates
Canada - COVID-19 dans les prisons : une situation très préoccupante
US - Study: Jail Populations Dropped During Pandemic Without Rise In Violent Crime
US - Parolees Fill New York Prisons to Pre-COVID Numbers
https://thecrimereport.org/2021/02/11/parolees-fill-new-york-prisons-to-pre-covid-numbers/
US - Mental health crisis feared in Colorado jails and prisons due to COVID-19 lockdowns
US (Connecticut) - Blame for coronavirus spread in prisons belongs to guards who don’t wear masks
US (North Carolina) - Prisons contribute to racial imbalance in COVID-19 impact in NC
US (California) - At San Quentin, the Response to COVID-19 Brings More Isolation and Suffering to People with Mental Illness
US (Maryland) - Excess Covid Cases Just Latest Of Major Systemic Problems In Md. Prisons
Asia
ICRC supports Cambodia’s prison reform
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50813354/icrc-supports-cambodias-prison-reform/
India - SC refuses to entertain plea raising issue of overcrowding in jails
Japan - Yokohama prison inmate's letter exposes flaws that led to large coronavirus cluster
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210212/p2a/00m/0na/044000c
Myanmar remits sentences of over 23,000 prisoners amid protests
Europe
England and Wales - Covid: HMP Bullingdon inmate dies following virus outbreak
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-56027169
England and Wales - Life in HMP Huntercombe for prisoners in lockdown
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/19084452.life-hmp-huntercombe-prisoners-lockdown/
England and Wales - Pentonville Prison virus rules ‘are damaging inmates’
http://islingtontribune.com/article/pentonville-prison-virus-rules-are-damaging-inmates
Ireland - Cluster Of Covid-19 Cases Confirmed At Midlands Prison
News 11 February
Africa
Botswana: Covid-19 Cases At Molepolole Prison Impact On Trial
https://allafrica.com/stories/202102110199.html
Zimbabwe - ZPCS seeks decongesting prisons
https://www.herald.co.zw/zpcs-seeks-decongesting-prisons/
Americas
Barbados - Only two positive cases at the prison
https://www.nationnews.com/2021/02/10/two-positive-cases-prison/
Canada - Correctional authorities falling short on transparency in reporting COVID-19 data
Canada - COVID-19 outbreak at youth correctional facility highlights challenges for kids
https://globalnews.ca/news/7632981/drumming-hill-youth-correctional-centre-coronavirus-outbreak/
Canada - Lockdowns over at 2 federal prisons in Fraser Valley
https://bc.ctvnews.ca/lockdowns-over-at-2-federal-prisons-in-fraser-valley-1.5303648
Canada - Thunder Bay health unit takes 'aggressive' action to control inmate discharges. But some ask why not sooner?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/tbay-inmate-class-order-1.5909487
US (Connecticut) - State to close three prisons as advocates call for reinvestment in marginalized communities
US - New York City Has People On Parole In Jails At Rates Not Seen Since The Early Pandemic
https://theappeal.org/new-york-city-jails-highest-number-technical-parole-violations-pandemic/
US -- Highly contagious COVID-19 strain found at Michigan prison
US - More deaths hit NY State prisons, sparking a push for a vaccination distribution plan
Asia
India - Visitation for lawyers and family members to resume in Maharashtra prisons
India - PIL in Delhi High Court seeks vaccination of all prisoners out on bail for COVID-19
India - COVID-19: Plea in HC to extend emergency parole of aged and ailing prisoners
Europe
England and Wales - What happens to prisoners in a pandemic?
England and Wales - Number of prisoners in England and Wales on suicide watch rises steeply
England and Wales - 'I dread the phone call’: families' fears for loved ones in prison
England and Wales - Covid: 100 Winchester Prison inmates and staff test positive
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-56009248
England and Wales - Prison officer dies amid huge coronavirus outbreak at Doncaster jail
England and Wales - Staff test positive for Coronavirus at Bullingdon Prison
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/19080585.staff-test-positive-coronavirus-bullingdon-prison/
Irish Prison Service insists it is effectively dealing with potential crowding issues
https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/irish-prison-service-insists-effectively-23482085
News 10 February
Americas
A Covid Uprising in America’s Jails
https://newrepublic.com/article/161315/covid-incarceration-st-louis-prison-protest
US - 'No quick fix' for Kentucky's prisons and jails hit hard by the coronavirus
US - North Carolina Claims Prisoners Who Died of COVID Didn't Die of COVID
US - Half of California prison employees are reluctant to get COVID vaccine, officials say
https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/the-state-worker/article249123895.html
US (California) - Los Angeles voters support releasing people as jail population rises amid COVID surge
https://theappeal.org/the-lab/polling-memos/la-voters-support-release-jails-covid-surge/
US (Colorado) - Advocates Call For Reform As ‘People Are Needlessly Dying In Prison’ During The Pandemic
https://www.cpr.org/2021/02/09/colorado-dept-of-corrections-special-needs-parole-reforms/
US (Arizona) - Bill Would Allow Prison Releases During Public Health Emergencies
https://kjzz.org/content/1657784/bill-would-allow-prison-releases-during-public-health-emergencies
US - Oregon prisons get 5,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine
https://www.opb.org/article/2021/02/09/oregon-inmates-prisons-covid-19-vaccines/
US - Alabama moving ahead with first execution in COVID-19 pandemic
Asia
Malaysia - Bintulu MP: 700 under quarantine after prison warden contracts Covid-19
Malaysia - CNY: Face-to-face meetings with prison inmates not allowed, according to Prisons Dept
Europe
England and Wales - Virus outbreak at prison as 'staff and inmates' test positive
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/virus-outbreak-prison-staff-inmates-19802710
England and Wales - Winchester Prison is cause of coronavirus hotspot
https://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/19076914.winchester-prison-cause-coronavirus-hotspot/
England and Wales - Bedford Prison inmates self-harmed hundreds of times in a year
Scotland - Kilmarnock prison wing locked down after major Covid outbreak sees 38 people test positive for deadly virus
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/ayrshire/kilmarnock-prison-wing-locked-down-23474633
News 9 February
Americas
Canada - COVID-19 outbreak declared at Sarnia Jail after 2 inmates test positive
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/covid-19-outbreak-declared-sarnia-224010129.html
'A death sentence': US prisons could receive Covid vaccines last despite being hotspots
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/feb/09/us-jails-prisons-covid-vaccines
US (Pennsylvania) - PA lawmakers urge Gov. Wolf to reprieve at-risk inmates as COVID-19 prison deaths spike
US - Iowa parole board releases fewer offenders in fiscal 2020, despite COVID-19
US (California) - “They Want to Do Me In”: The Prisoner Who Fought COVID Overcrowding
https://filtermag.org/prisoner-covid-overcrowding-california/
Asia
Afghanistan: Refurbished prison clinic smoothens patient flow
Europe
England and Wales - Covid: HMP Stocken outbreak 'behind Rutland's surge'
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-55988076
Styal Prison sees most self-harm among inmates in England and Wales
England and Wales - Aylesbury Prison inmates self-harmed more than 100 times in a year
News 6 – 8 February
Africa
Ghana - Prisons Service calls for increment in prisoners’ feeding allowance
Southern Africa - ‘Free lockdown violators, decongest prisons’
https://southerntimesafrica.com/site/news/free-lockdown-violators-decongest-prisons
Americas
Canada - Inmates in lockdown as COVID-19 cases surge at Bordeaux Jail in Montreal
Canada - Maximum-security prison in Fraser Valley on partial lockdown
https://www.castanet.net/news/BC/324301/Maximum-security-prison-in-Fraser-Valley-on-partial-lockdown
US - A Last-Minute Trump Move Threatens to Send Released Prisoners Back to Prison After the Pandemic
https://www.motherjones.com/crime-justice/2021/02/federal-prison-early-release-pandemic-trump/
US - Letting People Out of Prison to Avoid COVID Isn’t That Controversial
https://www.motherjones.com/coronavirus-updates/2021/02/early-prison-jail-release-covid-survey/
US - Inmate On Home Confinement Spoke Out On Bureau Of Prisons’ Policy And Ended Up Back In Prison
US - New York to Begin Vaccinating Older Prison Inmates
US (Missouri) - Inmates In St. Louis’ City Justice Center Stage Third Uprising Since December
https://www.complex.com/life/st-louis-justice-center-uprising-riots-covid-19
US - Missouri prison system experiences significant drop in COVID-19 cases
US - Of Louisiana state prison inmates now eligible for COVID vaccine, 85% have opted in
US - The pandemic hit Florida prisons hard. A bill would let some sick inmates out early
https://www.bradenton.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article249035135.html
US - California prison employees file lawsuit demanding hazard pay during COVID pandemic
https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article249017880.html
US (Hawaii) - Five COVID-19-Related Deaths Reported in O‘ahu Prison
https://bigislandnow.com/2021/02/06/five-covid-19-related-deaths-reported-in-oahu-prison/
Asia
China - Shandong Prison Officials Jailed Over COVID-19 Cluster
http://www.sixthtone.com/news/1006829/shandong-prison-officials-jailed-over-covid-19-cluster
Overcrowding & Staff vacancies plague Indian Prisons
https://factly.in/overcrowding-staff-vacancies-plague-indian-prisons/
Malaysia - Suhakam Sarawak fears jailing repeat SOP offenders will compound spread of Covid-19 virus
Maldives - Hulhumale' Prison Covid-19 cluster: 34 positive, 99 contacts identified
Sri Lanka - Eleven new COVID-19 infections from prison cluster
http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=71347
Europe
England and Wales - Prison lockdowns and mental distress of pandemic believed to have led to shocking self-harm rates of HMP Berwyn inmates
England and Wales - Bristol prisoners sent to HMP Cardiff despite 'concerning' Covid strain across the border
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/cardiff-prison-coronavirus-bristol-variant-19770051
England and Wales - Coronavirus cases reported at HMP Guys Marsh
https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/19070828.coronavirus-cases-reported-hmp-guys-marsh/
England and Wales - Grim scale of inmates self-harming in Preston Prison
https://www.lep.co.uk/news/crime/grim-scale-inmates-self-harming-preston-prison-3125934
France - Covid-19: La Campagne De Vaccination A Débuté Dans Les Prisons
France - Strasbourg : nouveau foyer de contamination au coronavirus à la prison de l'Elsau
News 5 February
Africa
Egypt: 3 detainees die from coronavirus in 24 hours
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210204-egypt-3-detainees-die-from-coronavirus-in-24-hours/
South Africa - Violence and Covid-19 take toll on SA’s prisoners
Americas
Steps Being Taken at the Belize Central Prison to Mitigate the Coronavirus Pandemic
A church survey reveals how mothers in Brazil are struggling to care for newborns in prison.
Canada - Ministry of Labour issues 9 unsafe work orders at two Ontario jails after COVID outbreak
St Lucia - Director Of Corrections Confirms Inmate’s COVID-19 Related Death
https://stluciatimes.com/director-of-corrections-confirms-inmates-covid-19-related-death/
US - As Pandemic Rages, Voters Support Releasing People From Jails And Prisons
https://theappeal.org/the-lab/polling-memos/voters-support-prison-jail-releases-pandemic/
US (California) - San Quentin prison fined more than $400,000 after deadly Covid-19 outbreak
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/04/us/california-san-quentin-prison-covid-19-report/index.html
US - New York’s prisons are a time bomb of fear, isolation and despair (Commentary)
Asia
Malaysia - Solving the Prison Dilemma of COVID-19
News 4 February
Africa
Nigeria - Ibadan prison rejects suspects without COVID-19 test result
Americas
Canada - During COVID-19, former prisoners are re-entering a world with fewer supports
https://broadview.org/covid-19-former-prisoners-support/
Dominican Republic - Prisons Are Making Improvements To Health And Safety In La Victoria
https://amicohoops.net/prisons-are-making-improvements-to-health-and-safety-in-la-victoria/
St Lucia - Internal review to come in wake of unrest at Bordelais
http://www.loopslu.com/content/internal-review-come-wake-unrest-bordelais
US - Covid-19 Is Spreading Faster Than Ever. Jail Populations Are Surging, Too
https://theappeal.org/covid-19-jail-populations-surging/
US (New York) - COVID Continues to Strain Prison Staff, Inmates
US - Iowa had more parole hearings and inmates approved for parole in 2020, but release rate shrank
US - Prisoners in Massachusetts won’t get reduced sentences for getting COVID vaccine after Baker administration rescinds offer made by DOC
US - Effort to speed vaccinations of Colorado inmates could get lift from Oregon ruling, ACLU says
US - Texas prisons have doled out thousands of COVID-19 vaccine doses — but none have gone to prisoners, who get the virus at high rates
https://www.texastribune.org/2021/02/03/texas-prisons-coronavirus-vaccine/
Asia
Cambodia - Covid-19 measures implemented in prisons, UN special rapporteurs told
India - Mixed response to e-mulakat in prisons
Nepal - DoPM urged to improve prison conditions
https://thehimalayantimes.com/kathmandu/dopm-urged-to-improve-prison-conditions
Singapore - Record high number of offenders in community corrections in 2020
South Korea - Will Covid-19 relieve overcrowding of correctional facilities?
http://www.koreabiomed.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=10366
Europe
England and Wales - Coronavirus outbreak at Lewes Prison
https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-outbreak-lewes-prison-3122459
England and Wales - Outbreak of coronavirus cases at HMP Wayland
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-outbreak-at-hmp-wayland-prison-7304624
News 3 February
Africa
Ghana - Courts will preside over only urgent cases due to COVID-19 – JUSAG
Lesotho - Fear grips prison
https://menafn.com/1101535552/Lesotho-Fear-grips-prison
Americas
Barbados - Abrahams: Prisoners who completed sentences released
https://www.nationnews.com/2021/02/02/abrahams-prisoners-completed-sentences-released/
Canada - COVID’s Uneven Spread in the Federal Penitentiary System has One Solution
St Lucia - Early release for prisoners called for amid BCF COVID-19 outbreak
https://www.loopslu.com/content/early-release-prisoners-called-amid-bcf-covid-19-outbreak
US - Judge orders Oregon to offer prison inmates COVID-19 vaccines immediately
https://www.opb.org/article/2021/02/03/oregon-prisons-judge-orders-inmate-covid-19-vaccinations/
US - Massachusetts Incarceration Numbers Rise, After Steep Drop
https://www.wbur.org/news/2021/02/02/massachusetts-jail-prison-population-pandemic-decline-rebound
US (Pennsylvania) - With 13,000 infected, 100 dead of COVID-19 in Pa. prisons, advocates urge faster releases
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-prison-pandemic-coronavirus-parole-doc-20210203.html
US (Nevada) - One-third of corrections staff vaccinated for COVID-19
Europe
Belgium - Coronavirus en Belgique: la tension monte dans les prisons après un an de restrictions
England and Wales - Justice Secretary dismisses concerns over Covid-19 rates in prisons as a ‘myth’
England and Wales - Living conditions in HMP Ford not 'humane', says watchdog
https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/19059606.living-conditions-hmp-ford-not-humane-says-watchdog/
England and Wales - Prison with around 950 inmates confirms Covid-19 outbreak
https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/prison-around-950-inmates-confirms-4957600
Oceania
Australia - NSW youth detainees reach historic low
https://www.nambuccaguardian.com.au/story/7112032/nsw-youth-detainees-reach-historic-low/
News 2 February
Africa
Zambia - East Prisons Record 6 Covid-19 Cases
https://zambiareports.com/2021/02/01/east-prisons-record-6-covid-19-cases/
Americas
Barbados - COVID cluster at HMP Dodds under control; only seven active cases
Jamaica - Prisoner says hellish conditions worsened since COVID
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20210201/prisoner-says-hellish-conditions-worsened-covid
US (California) - Prison officials ignored warnings before inmate transfer that led to virus outbreak, watchdog says
US - Utah State Prison allows inmates to connect with loved ones via video calls
https://www.sltrib.com/news/2021/02/02/utah-state-prison-allows/
US - Man convicted of first-degree murder is Iowa's 17th prison inmate to die of COVID-19 complications
US (Pennsylvania) - Confronted with significant flaws in coronavirus data, Pa. corrections officials concede ‘it’s unacceptable’
Asia
Maldives - COVID-19: Hulhumale' Prison under lockdown after inmate tests positive
South Korea - Nine inmates at Seoul prison test positive for COVID-19
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210202001048
Europe
Belgium - Prison staff want to strike over eased rules for visitors
England and Wales - Coronavirus: Covid outbreak in Lewes Prison
https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/19055692.coronavirus-covid-outbreak-lewes-prison/
England and Wales - Lower levels of violence but drugs remain a concern at Deerbolt YOI
France - Prison: plus de 600 détenus contraints de dormir sur un matelas au sol à cause de la surpopulation
Luxembourg - Prison population to be vaccinated according to age and vulnerability
https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/1664676.html
70% of Spanish prison's inmates test positive for COVID
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/70-spanish-prisons-inmates-test-105846721.html
News 30 January – 1 February
Americas
Canada - Union questions why Vancouver Island prison still allowing in-person visits
https://www.citynews1130.com/2021/01/30/vancouver-island-prison-visits-covid-19-restrictions/
Canada - Dobson and Co.: Ontario is exposing prisoners to torturous conditions
Canada - Safety concerns persist as COVID-19 outbreak at Maple Ridge jail spreads
https://www.citynews1130.com/2021/01/31/covid-19-outbreak-fraser-regional-correctional-centre/
Trinidad & Tobago - Why no action on prison population?
https://newsday.co.tt/2021/02/01/why-no-action-on-prison-population/
US - Prisons have already failed to contain Covid-19. What happens when the new variants arrive?
https://www.vox.com/22256219/covid-19-new-variants-prisons-jails-vaccines-masks
US - ‘It’s just a matter of time’: Inmates detail horrid conditions amid COVID spike in Oregon prisons
US (Kentucky) - Thousands of people infected as overcrowded KY jails create ‘reservoirs for COVID’
https://www.kentucky.com/news/coronavirus/article248757880.html
US - Tracking COVID-19 Inmate Deaths in California Proves Challenging
US (Vermont) - Covid-19 isolation in Vt. prisons raises concern about inmates’ mental health
US - Maryland Races to Curb Spread of COVID-19 Inside Prisons
US - New Surge of COVID Is Spreading “Like Wildfire” in Illinois Prisons
https://truthout.org/articles/new-surge-of-covid-is-spreading-like-wildfire-in-illinois-prisons/
US - Connecticut plans to shut 2 prisons as population declines
Asia
India - Mangaluru: ‘e-mulakat’ allows prisoners to converse with close ones
https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=796454
India - A first for Haryana: Prisoners to talk to kin via video
Number of Palestinian Prisoners Infected with COVID-19 in Israeli Jails Exceeds 350
Malaysia - Sungai Udang Prison placed under EMCO after 113 contract Covid-19
Nepal - 783 inmates at Central Jail receive COVID jabs
https://english.khabarhub.com/2021/31/160017/
Europe
England and Wales - Fears Dovegate prison covid outbreak could spill out into community
https://www.staffordshire-live.co.uk/news/fears-dovegate-prison-covid-outbreak-4936082
England and Wales - Covid cases reported at Littlehey prison
https://www.huntspost.co.uk/news/covid-cases-at-littlehey-prison-huntingdon-7081334
Prisoners in Scottish jails have started receiving their first Covid vaccines
Oceania
Australia - Victorian prisoners get unfair sentence reductions as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, Opposition says
News 29 January
Africa
South Africa - Perspectives: Why Covid-19 vaccine rollout must prioritise prisoners
Americas
Canada - Sending people to the Thunder Bay jail during COVID-19 outbreak is a violation of Charter rights: lawyers
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/tbay-inmate-charter-rights-1.5892582
Guyana - Inmates at three prisons test positive for COVID-19
https://newsroom.gy/2021/01/28/inmates-at-three-prisons-test-positive-for-covid-19/
Martinique - Suspicion de Covid-19 à la prison de Ducos : 16 détenus confinés
US - Medical science says prisoners should get the vaccine now. It isn’t happening
https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/covid-vaccine-prisons-inmates-priority-groups-b1794355.html
US - More than half of Colorado’s prison population has likely been infected with coronavirus, report says
https://coloradosun.com/2021/01/28/colorado-coronavirus-prison-outbreaks-deaths/
US (Oregon) - As prison COVID-19 deaths rise rapidly, inmates’ relatives, advocates sound alarm
US - Almost half of Iowa’s prison employees have refused COVID-19 vaccine, despite deaths
US (South Carolina) - Stuck in prison quarantine, SC women say they aren’t getting basic medicines, insulin
https://www.thestate.com/news/coronavirus/article248778675.html
US - As Prisons And Jails In California Battle COVID-19, Some Inmate Deaths Go Uncounted
US - Mississippi Prison Officials Tout Low Rates of Covid. The Reason May Be Fewer Tests.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/28/us/mississippi-prisons-covid.html
Europe
COVID-19: Vaccine rollout in English prisons to begin today
https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-vaccine-rollout-in-english-prisons-to-begin-today-12201902
England and Wales - Self-harm among women prisoners hits record high
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/women-prisoners-self-harm-b1794300.html
England and Wales - The number of prison deaths up by 70% over last three months
https://www.thejusticegap.com/the-number-of-prison-deaths-rise-70-over-last-three-months/
England and Wales - Cockroaches, cold cells and a lack of pants - What it's been like in Leicester prison during lockdown
https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/cockroaches-cold-cells-lack-pants-4939698
Northern Ireland - Prison officer overtime increases in NI during pandemic
News 28 January
Africa
Namibia - COVID-19 spike reported at Kavango prison
https://informante.web.na/?p=300517
Zimbabwe - 110 Inmates At Mutimurefu Prison Test Positive For Coronavirus
https://www.zimeye.net/2021/01/27/110-inmates-at-mutimurefu-prison-test-positive-for-coronavirus/
Americas
Barbados - Prison officers traumatised
https://barbadostoday.bb/2021/01/27/prison-officers-traumatised/
Canada - Letter calls for end to lockdown at Drumheller prison due to 'grave mistreatment' of inmates
Canada - COVID-19 outbreak declared at 3rd correctional facility in Fraser Health region
St Lucia - COVID scare: 23 inmates at Bordelais await results
https://www.loopslu.com/content/covid-scare-some-23-inmates-bordelais-correctional-await-results
US - Families of inmates at South Carolina prison accuse corrections staff of negligence
US - With a stalled court system, some Texas jails are dangerously overcrowded in the pandemic
Asia
India - As Courts Went Virtual, 40% Of Jails Had No Video Conferencing Facilities
Malaysia - Screen inmates before taking them to court, Bar tells prison authorities
Malaysia - Covid-19: Perak govt urges public, business operators not to view prison staff negatively
Europe
France - Covid-19. En prison, les détenus plus âgés vaccinés en priorité
Ireland - Phones provided to Cork prison inmates during Covid-19 pandemic
https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40215650.html
Scotland - Polmont YOI staff praised for 'restricting risk' of COVID-19
Spain - Prison union alerts of ‘serious’ Covid-19 outbreak at Sevilla prison
Spain - ‘Critical’ Covid Outbreak In Zaragoza Prison
https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2021/01/28/critical-covid-outbreak-in-zaragoza-prison/
Prison In Spain’s Valencia Suspends Non-Essential Activities
News 27 January
Americas
US (Louisiana) - Prisoners over 70 in state-run facilities receive first round of COVID-19 vaccine
US - 8 new COVID cases among Vermont corrections staff
https://www.wcax.com/2021/01/26/eight-new-covid-cases-among-vermont-corrections-staff/
US (New York) - State Prison Inmate’s Diary Details The Ordeal Of Battling COVID-19 Behind Bars
US - ACLU Appeals to Colorado Supreme Court, Wants Governor Polis to Decrease Prison Population
US - Utah begins vaccinating inmates ages 70 and up
US (Pennsylvania) - Philly prisons lift shelter-in-place measures, but COVID infections still on the rise
US (California) - With Nearly 4,000 Cases, Fresno County Jail's COVID-19 Tally Tops Nation's Correctional Facilities
Europe
England and Wales - Extent of Norwich Prison Covid outbreak revealed
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/full-extent-of-hmp-norwich-covid-outbreak-revealed-7074752
England and Wales - Covid outbreak at HMP Ranby leads to soaring infection rate in north Nottinghamshire
https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/local-news/covid-outbreak-hmp-ranby-leads-4929823
England and Wales - Self-harming cases at HMP Hewell "stubbornly high"
https://www.redditchadvertiser.co.uk/news/19039339.self-harming-cases-hmp-hewell-stubbornly-high/
Locked down and up: fears over virus impact on UK prisoners
France - Covid-19 : les clusters se multiplient dans les prisons d’Ile-de-France
France - Covid-19. La contrôleure des prisons réclame une stratégie de vaccination en détention
News 26 January
Africa
Gabon - Droits des détenus : Ossouka Raponda invitée à lever l’interdiction des visites aux prisonniers
Americas
Brazilian bishops decry conditions in prisons
Inside Canada's largest COVID-19 outbreak in a federal prison
Canada - Three Vancouver-area prisons report 66 active COVID-19 cases
Jamaica - 21 cases of COVID-19 at Tower Street prison
https://www.loopjamaica.com/content/21-cases-covid-19-tower-street-prison
Mexico - Nearly 270 Inmates Involved In Riot at Mexicali Prison
https://kyma.com/news/2021/01/25/nearly-270-inmates-involved-in-riot-at-mexicali-prison/
US - People in Jail and Prison in 2020
https://www.vera.org/publications/people-in-jail-and-prison-in-2020
US (New York) - Brooklyn Federal Prison Denying Communication Rights in Pandemic
https://filtermag.org/brooklyn-federal-prison-covid-communication/
US - Colorado judges denied many “compassionate release” requests during pandemic
https://coloradosun.com/2021/01/25/colorado-compassionate-release-2020/
Asia
India - Overcrowding led to Covid surge in prison
India - 126 test COVID-19 positive within 10 days in UP jail
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/126-test-covid-19-positive-within-10-days-in-up-jail-203524
Malaysia - As Covid-19 sweeps through lock-ups, govt moves to temporarily house inmates at National Service camps
Europe
England and Wales - The power struggle: COVID in prisons [podcast]
https://news.sky.com/story/the-power-struggle-covid-in-prisons-12197532
England and Wales - Extracts from a COVID Prison Diary
https://bylinetimes.com/2021/01/26/extracts-from-a-covid-prison-diary/
Ireland - Prison standards improved during pandemic - report
https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2021/0126/1192041-prison-service/
News 23 – 25 January
Africa
Ghana - Covid-19: Three inmates test positive in Walewale
https://www.modernghana.com/news/1056875/covid-19-three-inmates-test-positive-in-walewale.html
Egypt: Amnesty slams 'inhumane' prison conditions
https://www.dw.com/en/egypt-amnesty-slams-inhumane-prison-conditions/a-56331626
Zimbabwe - Inmates receive PPE
https://www.herald.co.zw/inmates-receive-ppe/
Americas
Barbados - 99 prison officers on sick leave
https://barbadostoday.bb/2021/01/23/99-prison-officers-on-sick-leave/
Barbados - Health of inmates at HMP Dodds a priority says Abrahams
https://www.loopnewsbarbados.com/content/health-inmates-hmp-dodds-priority-says-abrahams
Canada - COVID-19 infects 58 people in Metro Vancouver jails, vaccine plan unclear
https://www.citynews1130.com/2021/01/23/covid-19-metro-vancouver-jails-federal-prisons-vaccine/
Canada - Maplehurst jail in Milton, Ont. on lockdown amid COVID-19 outbreak with 89 'active' cases
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-jail-coronavirus-maplehurst-lockdown-1.5884866
US - Prisoners are 5 times more likely to get COVID-19 than the overall population. A 69-year old prisoner is trying to change that one livestream at a time.
https://www.businessinsider.com/covid-prisons-jails-release-inmates-rufus-rochelle-2021-1?r=US&IR=T
US - NAACP files suit over virus outbreak at Georgia prison
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/article248702305.html
US (Connecticut) - CT's prison population the lowest in 32 years
https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/CT-s-prison-population-the-lowest-in-32-years-15892549.php
US (Texas) - Women’s prison in Fort Worth again ‘full of COVID,’ 2 die from virus at men’s prison
https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crime/article248735465.html
US - Oklahoma Prison Lockdowns Due To COVID-19 Eased
https://www.kosu.org/post/oklahoma-prison-lockdowns-due-covid-19-eased
US - Vaccinations underway at Delaware's prisons
https://www.delawarepublic.org/post/vaccinations-underway-delawares-prisons
US - California Juvenile Facilities See Continuing Covid Rise
https://www.laprogressive.com/juvenile-facilities-2/
Asia
Malaysia - Parliamentarians: Govt should grant early, conditional release to prisoners with minor offences to curb Covid-19 spread
Malaysia - Taiping prison under EMCO after sharp rise in Covid-19 cases
https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/297104
Sri Lanka - 4,395 total COVID patients from the prison cluster
https://www.nation.lk/online/4-395-total-covid-patients-from-the-prison-cluster-47698.html
Europe
England and Wales - Inspectors find HMP Hindley have coped well with the coronavirus pandemic, with only one confirmed case
France - Le coronavirus derrière les barreaux
https://www.mediabask.eus/eu/info_mbsk/20210123/le-coronavirus-derriere-les-barreaux
Malta - Largest COVID-19 cluster so far detected at prison
https://timesofmalta.com/articles/view/largest-covid-19-cluster-so-far-detected-at-prison.846711
Scotland - HMP Grampian hit by fresh outbreak of Covid-19
https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/hmp-grampian-hit-by-fresh-outbreak-of-covid-19/
Oceania
New Zealand - Contraband finds double during Covid lockdown at prison under investigation for staff corruption
News 22 January
Africa
South Africa - Concerns amid rising Covid-19 cases at St Albans prison
Americas
Canada - Provinces should set targets for giving prison inmates coronavirus vaccine: advocates
https://globalnews.ca/news/7590206/coronavirus-vaccine-prison-inmates-provinces-targets/
US - How Do You Social Distance In Prison? You Don't. You Get COVID.
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/melissasegura/prisons-covid-clemency
US (Pennsylvania) - Coronavirus death counts exceed one per day in Pa. prisons. Gov. Wolf needs to use all the tools he has. | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/coronavirus-pennsylvania-prison-deaths-20210122.html
US (Washington) - Prisoners’ families call for meeting with head of corrections agency amid COVID-19 outbreaks
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/jan/21/prisoners-families-call-for-meeting-with-head-of-c/
Asia
India - ‘They don’t even look at us as humans. How can we expect them to protect us from the virus?’
Israel finishes COVID-19 vaccination campaign among its prison population
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/S16hkvvJ00
US (Michigan) - There have been 3,900 COVID-19 cases in Jackson's prisons
US - Florida inmate COVID-19 death toll at 205
https://www.news4jax.com/news/florida/2021/01/21/florida-inmate-covid-19-death-toll-at-205/
US - Four More COVID Deaths in Oregon Prisons
https://www.corvallisadvocate.com/2021/four-more-covid-deaths-in-oregon-prisons/
Europe
England and Wales - Inmates at Verne prison without heating and hot water for 'weeks'
https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/19029308.inmates-verne-prison-without-heating-hot-water-weeks/
England and Wales - Prison's covid outbreak escalates as nearly 150 inmates and staff infected
England and Wales - Vulnerable inmates at Deerbolt afraid to leave cells due to fear of gangs
Eight prisoners currently have Covid-19 in Irish prison system
Covid in Scotland: Quarter of prison population awaiting trial
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-55751674
News 21 January
Africa
South Africa - Prisons get new staff in bid to combat spread of Covid-19
South Africa - Police Union call for removal of Arthur Fraser over COVID-19 surge in prisons
South Africa - East London prison dismisses claims Covid-19 is rife among warders
Americas
Canada - 'Doesn’t even make sense': Drumheller prison lockdown goes on despite widespread COVID recoveries
Canada - 'It's like they gave up': Experts, union demand action amidst COVID outbreaks at Thunder Bay jail
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/experts-call-ontario-to-decarcerate-1.5879469
US - COVID-19 Extends Sentences for Some Incarcerated People
US - As COVID-19 Ups the Stakes, Advocates Say Prison Food Needs an Overhaul
US - Department Of Justice Lays Plans For Federal Inmates On Home Confinement To Return To Prison
US (North Carolina) - NC prison system begins COVID-19 vaccinations
https://wlos.com/news/local/nc-prison-system-begins-covid-19-vaccinations
US - Federal prisoners complain a private prison in Oklahoma isn’t following COVID-19 safety guidelines
Europe
England and Wales - Prioritise prisons for vaccines because they are Covid breeding grounds, advisers say
England and Wales - Covid-19: Open prison Hollesley Bay has 'quarter of inmates' infected
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-55732576
England and Wales - Damning report into Hewell Prison reveals it is 'not fit as a 21st century jail'
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/damning-report-hewell-prison-reveals-19663907
News 20 January
Americas
US - Delaying Vaccines For America’s Prison Population Will Make The Pandemic Worse
US (Colorado) - Report: State prison population dropped by 13% since March 2020
US - COVID-19 deaths spike in Oregon prisons
https://www.opb.org/article/2021/01/19/covid-19-deaths-spike-in-oregon-prisons/
US - Minn. House members question DOC Commissioner about response to COVID in prisons
Asia
Virus sickens 24 more Palestinian detainees in Israel
Europe
England and Wales - COVID-19: 'Public health emergency unfolding' in prisons as coronavirus cases soar
England and Wales - Huge Covid outbreak at HMP Dovegate as 74 inmates and prison staff test positive
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/huge-covid-outbreak-hmp-dovegate-23348925
Ireland - Cork Prison officer hospitalised after contracting Covid-19
https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40210307.html
News 19 January
Africa
South Africa - Why prisoners are a priority in vaccine rollout
https://www.dispatchlive.co.za/news/2021-01-19-why-prisoners-are-a-priority-in-vaccine-rollout/
South Africa - Correctional Services ‘Doing All It Can’ To Ease Overcrowding In Sa Prisons
Americas
Canada - Positive COVID-19 cases are reported in jails in Milton and Thunder Bay
US - Prisons Are Releasing People Without COVID-19 Tests Or Quarantines
US (Pennsylvania) - Pa. prisons don’t always tell families when inmates are sick. Officials are defending that policy.
US - 'They’re not forgotten souls’: New York prisons see spike in COVID cases, deaths
US - Federal judges in Colorado denied overwhelming majority of requests to release inmates for COVID-19
Asia
Japan - Tokyo infections top 1,000; virus hits hospital, prison in area
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14119299
Malaysia - Buildings can be requisitioned as temporary depots to house prisoners under Emergency, says chief secretary to govt
Europe
England and Wales - Hull Prison Covid outbreak on sex offenders wing with prisoners 'in comas'
England and Wales - Statement released after reports of Covid outbreak at HMP Nottingham
https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/statement-released-after-reports-covid-4901111
Northern Ireland - Covid-19: Naomi Long says some early release prisoners back in custody
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-55709302
Human rights watchdog raises Covid concerns over Scottish prisons
Turkey - ‘Prison wardens don’t observe pandemic rules’
https://bianet.org/english/human-rights/237814-prison-wardens-don-t-observe-pandemic-rules
News 16 – 18 January
Africa
South Africa - Caledon prison may have restrictions eased amid Covid-19 recovery reports
Americas
Barbados - Prison 'stable', civilian staff working remotely
http://www.loopnewsbarbados.com/content/prison-stable-civilian-staff-working-remotely
Barbados - Virtual Visits To Remain Suspended At Prison
https://www.barbadosadvocate.com/news/virtual-visits-remain-suspended-prison
Canada - Prison justice advocacy group calls for protection against COVID-19 in N.S. jails
https://globalnews.ca/news/7582002/prison-justice-coronavirus-nova-scotia-jails/
Canada - Coronavirus outbreak declared at Sarnia Jail after 4 staff members test positive
https://globalnews.ca/news/7580815/coronavirus-outbreak-sarnia-jail-covid19/
Canada - Alarm sounded at Ontario jail over inmate transfers amid outbreaks
US - Alabama prisoners stage hunger strike, allege retaliation
US - DOC: 28th Oregon prison inmate dies of COVID-19
https://www.yaktrinews.com/doc-28th-oregon-prison-inmat-dies-of-covid-19/
US - COVID-19 deaths among Nevada prisoners skyrocket in January
US (Hawaii) - Lawmakers to Take a Hard Look at Correctional System After COVID-19 Hits 46 Percent of Inmates
Asia
The Wretched Condition Of Pakistan’s Prisons Continues To Aggravate
http://blogs.dunyanews.tv/27868/
UAE prison inmates get the Covid-19 vaccine for free
Europe
England and Wales - Covid strikes down 69 judges amid chaos in courts and jails
England and Wales - Prisoners get video technology to speak with family during lockdown in bid to cut reoffending
England and Wales - Deploy Internet in prisons post-Covid to cut £18.1 billion reoffending bill
England and Wales - HMP Bullingdon staff test positive for coronavirus
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/19016810.hmp-bullingdon-staff-test-positive-coronavirus/
England and Wales - Red alert over virus outbreak at jail
http://islingtontribune.com/article/red-alert-over-virus-outbreak-at-jail
Northern Ireland - Two children test positive for Covid-19 in Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre
News 15 January
Prisons are covid hot spots. But few countries are prioritizing vaccines for inmates.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/01/14/global-coronavirus-vaccines-prisons/
Africa
Zimbabwe - Zim prisons a death trap: EU
https://thezimbabwedaily.com/news/530243-zim-prisons-a-death-trap-eu.html
Americas
Canada - Vaccinating inmates protects us all. To say otherwise is just a cheap attempt to gain votes
US - Pandemic Is Changing Compassionate Release Calculus
US - This Kentucky prison has 1,507 inmates. Half of them are infected with COVID-19.
https://www.kentucky.com/news/coronavirus/article248501225.html
US (Pennsylvania) - Federal judge: Philly jails must relax extreme COVID-19 lockdown measures for sake of mental health
US - Michigan Actually Released Fewer Prisoners In Pandemic's First Year
Asia
India - 481 prisoners meet family, relatives as Tamil Nadu prison department resumes visits after Pongal
7 more Palestinians catch COVID-19 in Israeli prisons
Health minister: Israeli, Palestinian prisoners to start vaccinating next week
South Korea - No new COVID-19 cases reported at correctional facilities for 2nd day
http://www.theinvestor.co.kr/view.php?ud=20210114001126
Europe
Netherlands - Almost 1,000 Dutch prison inmates face coronavirus quarantine
https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2021/01/almost-1000-dutch-prison-inmates-face-coronavirus-quarantine/
Scotland - Eleven inmates at Porterfield Prison now have coronavirus, service confirms
Turkey - Infants as young as 3 months kept in quarantine prison cells, says inmate
https://stockholmcf.org/infants-as-young-as-3-months-kept-in-quarantine-prison-cells-says-inmate/
News 14 January
Africa
South Africa - ‘Covid threat’ in jam-packed jails
Zimbabwe - Prison Boss Dies Of COVID-19, 15 Others Test Positive
https://www.zimeye.net/2021/01/13/exclusive-prison-boss-dies-of-covid-19-15-others-test-positive/
Americas
Barbados - Quarter of prison inmates have COVID-19 – Ministry of Health
https://barbadostoday.bb/2021/01/13/quarter-of-prison-inmates-have-covid-19-ministry-of-health/
Canada - Outbreak at Thunder Bay jail has 14 more COVID-19 cases
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/thunder-bay-covid-19-jan-13-1.5871238
Canada - 'People are starting to crack': Off duty self-isolation for Sask. Penitentiary staff nearing a month
US - Why protecting prisons from COVID-19 is everyone’s problem
US (California) - Mistakes worsened deadly COVID-19 outbreak at L.A. federal prison, investigation finds
US (New Jersey) - For prisoners freed early during COVID-19, a changed — and sometimes lonely — world awaits
US – New Jersey’s Prison Population Down by 35% Since Start of Covid
https://www.valuewalk.com/new-jerseys-prison-coronavirus-releases/
Europe
England and Wales - Union raises Covid safety fears with England’s largest prison education provider
Ireland - 'Mass testing' after Covid-19 outbreak in Portlaoise Prison
https://www.carlowlive.ie/news/home/601754/covid-19-outbreak-in-portlaoise-prison.html
News 13 January
Americas
US (Texas) - 639 active COVID-19 cases reported at Allred Prison Tuesday
https://www.kltv.com/2021/01/13/active-covid-cases-reported-allred-prison/
US - Massive COVID-19 outbreak reported at a Michigan prison
https://whtc.com/2021/01/13/massive-covid-19-outbreak-reported-at-a-michigan-prison/
US (Oregon) - Department Of Corrections Faces Legal Challenges As Employees Receive COVID-19 Vaccine
US (Colorado) - Simmons, Broncos teammates call on Polis to release medically-vulnerable inmates
Asia
South Korea - Prisons enhance measures to contain spread of COVID-19
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20210113008400315
South Korea - More than 900 inmates to be paroled as measure to curb COVID-19 spread: ministry
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20210113008451315
Europe
Covid deaths in prisons in England and Wales rise by 50% in a month
England and Wales - Chelmsford prison coronavirus outbreak with staff and inmates isolating
https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/chelmsford-prison-coronavirus-outbreak-staff-4879167
England and Wales - Brixton prison – new restrictions implemented after outbreak of Covid-19
'The situation is terrible' – relatives of prisoners on coronavirus in Georgian prisons
Ireland - Covid-19 outbreak in Portlaoise Prison
https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/news/601640/covid-19-outbreak-in-portlaoise-prison.html
News 12 January
Africa
South Africa - Some Covid-19 positive inmates from Helderstroom Prison transferred to Pollsmoor
Americas
Researchers flag increase in COVID-19 cases in Canadian prisons, jails
https://www.insauga.com/researchers-flag-increase-in-covid-19-cases-in-canadian-prisons-jails
Canada - Another outbreak declared at Manitoba jail among hardest hit by pandemic
Canada - ‘He Had Lost All Hope.’ Inside A COVID Outbreak At A Saskatchewan Prison.
https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/canadian-prison-covid-vaccine_ca_5ffcc3a9c5b691806c4b90e0
Canada - Saskatchewan’s jail population shrinks, most still remanded: provincial corrections ministry
https://globalnews.ca/news/7569800/saskatchewan-jail-inmate-population-reduced-remanded/
US - COVID outbreak explodes at California Men’s Colony — nearly 1 in 3 inmates now has virus
https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/coronavirus/article248422120.html
US (New York) - Inmates at Adirondack prison sue state over COVID conditions
US (Michigan) - COVID-19 creates dangerous limbo for MI's Juvenile Lifers
US - Over 40% of Alaska’s prisoners have contracted COVID-19
https://www.ktoo.org/2021/01/11/over-40-of-alaskas-prisoners-have-contracted-covid-19/
US - Wisconsin corrections names prisons with COVID-19 deaths, after months of calls for transparency
US - Prisoners in Kansas among those to get vaccine next
https://hayspost.com/posts/fdb03b5a-5391-4321-9fa8-e3c5896f5f8a
Asia
Pakistan - Prisons get PPEs, hygiene kits
https://www.dawn.com/news/1601009/prisons-get-ppes-hygiene-kits
South Korea - Seoul detention center reports 7 more COVID-19 cases, 5 of them among female inmates
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20210112006600315
Europe
England and Wales - HMP Risley inmates locked up for up to 28 hours, report finds
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-55622928
England and Wales - Call to close courts and make HMP Berwyn an 'island' to tackle prison covid cases
France - En prison, des parloirs anti-Covid qui isolent encore plus les détenus
9 - 11 January
Africa
South Africa - Covid-19: 152 inmates, 8 officials test positive at Helderstroom Prison
Zimbabwe - COVID-19 fears in prisons
https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/01/covid-19-fears-in-prisons/
Americas
Canada begins vaccinating inmates in federal prisons with no active coronavirus cases
https://globalnews.ca/news/7565207/canada-coronavirus-vaccine-inmates-critics/
Canada - More than 70 per cent of COVID-19 cases at Saskatchewan Penitentiary recovered
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/sask-pen-update-1.5868025
US - 2 die, nearly 400 inmates sickened after COVID-19 outbreak at Oregon prison
US - New York's prison transfers increased Covid-19 risk for sick, elderly men
https://theintercept.com/2021/01/08/covid-new-york-prison-nursing-home-lawsuit/
US (Connecticut) - ‘Herculean’ COVID testing efforts created logistical challenges for prisons, monitoring panel finds
US (California) - “Have to choose between phone calls and showering” – COVID-19 Stories from CDCR’s Mule Creek State Prison
Asia
India - Delhi Prisons Dept. tells 3,600 staffers to enrol for COVID-19 vaccination
Malaysia - Covid-19 A Death Sentence In Jail: Parliament Group
https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2021/01/11/covid-19-a-death-sentence-in-jail-parliament-group/
500 prisoners suffering from Covid-19 across Pakistan
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2279196/500-prisoners-suffering-from-covid-19-across-pakistan
Sri Lanka - Prisoners unable to pay fines released under special pardon
Europe
England and Wales - Covid: 'Shut courts' call to halt prison virus spread
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-55574684
Covid leading to four-year waits for England and Wales court trials
Ireland - Prison service confirms 40 inmates have Covid-19
https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40203581.html
Northern Ireland Prison Service confirms first female Covid-19 case
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/northern-ireland-prison-service-confirms-19594607
Scotland - Staff and prisoners hit in Covid outbreak at HMP Grampian
News 8 January
Africa
Kenya - Malindi Maximum Prison Receives Virtual Equipment
https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/malindi-maximum-prison-receives-virtual-equipment/
South Africa - Second wave of Covid-19 leaving mark on SA’s inmates, prison officials
South Africa - Are inmates jumping the queue? Prisoners among the first to receive vaccine
Americas
Canada - COVID Outbreak At Thunder Bay Jail
https://www.ckdr.net/2021/01/07/covid-outbreak-at-thunder-bay-jail/
US (North Carolina) - With windows nailed shut for winter, prison inmates worry over COVID, fresh air
US - Mortality in Mississippi prisons one of highest: 'May as well be getting a death sentence'
US - Poor Tennesseans are still locked in COVID-ridden jails, and lawyers want them out
US - COVID-19 inmate death toll up to 196 in Florida
https://www.news4jax.com/news/2021/01/07/covid-19-inmate-death-toll-up-to-196-in-florida/
US - Complications arise as video calls replace cherished family visits with California prisoners
US (California) - Orange County Jail Outbreak Explodes to Over 1,000 Inmates Currently Infected With Covid
US - Fears for young people in California detention amid fresh Covid outbreak
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/08/coronavirus-california-detention-custody
US - Alabama Prisoners Strike Against Exploitation and Health Threats
https://filtermag.org/free-alabama-movement/
Europe
Ireland - Block of Mountjoy Prison closed down after prisoner tests positive for Covid-19
Scotland - Covid-19 cluster identified at HM Prison Inverness
9 inmates at Turkish prison attempt suicide in two weeks’ time
https://stockholmcf.org/9-inmates-at-turkish-prison-attempt-suicide-in-two-weeks-time/
News 7 January
Americas
Barbados - Inmates fret over court cases amid Dodds COVID-19 spike
https://barbadostoday.bb/2021/01/06/inmates-fret-over-court-cases-amid-dodds-covid-19-spike/
Canada’s Plan To Vaccinate 600 Inmates Met With Fierce Resistance
https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/canada-vaccinate-inmates-resistance_ca_5ff62603c5b64e568bf3a220
Canada - Advocate group joins calls for corrections minister’s resignation over handling of COVID-19
https://globalnews.ca/news/7559922/advocate-group-corrections-minister-resignation-coronavirus/
Turks & Caicos - Prison staff test positive for Covid-19
https://tcweeklynews.com/prison-staff-test-positive-for-covid-p11239-151.htm
US - 2 Men On Death Row Say Having COVID-19 Will Increase Their Suffering During Execution
US (Delaware) - Lawmakers seek early release for some prisoners, investigation into COVID-19 protocols
US - Florida's Vaccination Plan Doesn't Include Prison Populations
https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/no-covid-19-vaccination-plan-for-florida-prisons-11789505
US (Louisiana) - Incarcerated people over 70 to start receiving vaccinations next week, governor says
Asia
South Korea - Correctional staff to be tested for virus weekly, more facilities to undergo mass testing
https://m.koreatimes.co.kr/pages/article.asp?newsIdx=302076
South Korea - Infected inmates demand compensation from state
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210107000833
Europe
Georgia - Ksani No.15 prison inmate dies of coronavirus
https://agenda.ge/en/news/2021/29
Ireland - Martin Kenny TD calls for urgent review of prison operations
Netherlands - Prisoners take legal action after being banned from wearing face masks
Netherlands - 84 inmates from Limburg prison isolated after coronavirus outbreak
https://nltimes.nl/2021/01/07/84-inmates-limburg-prison-isolated-coronavirus-outbreak
Gross human rights violations continue in Turkish prisons, says report
https://stockholmcf.org/gross-human-rights-violations-continue-in-turkish-prisons-says-report/
News 6 January
Africa
Egypt denies allegations of covid outbreak in prisons
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210106-egypt-denies-allegations-of-covid-outbreak-in-prisons/
Americas
Barbados - Prison ‘under control’, says Abrahams
https://barbadostoday.bb/2021/01/05/prison-under-control-says-abrahams/
Barbados - Virtual visits to HMP Dodds suspended
https://www.loopnewsbarbados.com/content/visits-hmp-dodds-suspended
Canada - Federal inmates set to receive COVID-19 vaccines starting Friday
https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/federal-inmates-set-to-receive-covid-19-vaccines-starting-friday-1.5254733
US – Opinion: End the silence about what Covid-19 is doing to America's prisons
US - 'Potential death sentence:' Utah inmate claims 'gross negligence' over COVID transfers
US (Connecticut) - CT prison inmates expected in next wave of COVID-19 vaccinations
https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/CT-prison-inmates-expected-to-be-in-next-wave-of-15848469.php
US - Dozens Of Groups Urge Massachusetts Parole Board Reforms Amid Pandemic
US - COVID-19 deaths rising in overcrowded West Virginia regional jails
US - COVID-19 in New York prisons: 'Positivity numbers represent a system on fire'
Asia
South Korea rolls out mass testing for 70,000 prisoners and staff
Europe
England and Wales - Suffolk prison praised for maintaining ethos during lockdown
https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/hmp-warren-hill-monitoring-board-report-2020-6883488
England and Wales - Precautionary covid-19 measures at HMP Berwyn after positive cases
England and Wales - No inmates at HMP Peterborough test positive for COVID since March - but jail criticised for slow easing of virus measures
Ireland - Five inmates test positive for Covid-19 in Loughan House open prison
Turkey - ‘Some prison wards not disinfected for six months’
https://bianet.org/english/human-rights/237133-some-prison-wards-not-disinfected-for-six-months
5 January
Americas
Canada - Inmates fear 'leaving in a body bag' as COVID-19 outbreaks in prisons worsen
Canada - Inmates stage hunger strike, call for minister’s resignation over COVID-19 response
US - Colorado prison population fell in 2020, increase expected
https://durangoherald.com/articles/359271
US (Kentucky) - Deaths from COVID-19 more than doubled in KY prisons last month as outbreaks spread
https://www.kentucky.com/news/coronavirus/article248264605.html
US - 4 Massachusetts Prisoners Die Of Covid In The Past Week
https://www.wbur.org/news/2021/01/04/massachusetts-covid-19-coronavirus-prison-deaths
US - ‘Leaving us to die’: Missouri inmates allege state has mismanaged response to COVID
https://www.kansascity.com/news/state/missouri/article248145955.html
US - Sixth state inmate in South Dakota dies with COVID-19
Europe
England and Wales - Prisoners' lives are being put at risk by officers not wearing face masks
England and Wales - Oxford University says prisoners should be first get Covid jab
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/18985200.oxford-university-says-prisoners-first-get-covid-jab/
Ireland - Five prisoners confirmed with Covid-19 at Wheatfield Prison
News 19 December – 4 January
Africa
Rwanda - Covid-19: Over 100 new cases reported in Huye Prison
https://www.newtimes.co.rw/covid-19/covid-19-over-100-new-cases-reported-huye-prison
Americas
Barbados - Police, BDF assisting at HMP Dodds after prison officers test positive
Barbados Confirms 161 Cases Of COVID-19 At Dodds Prison
https://stluciatimes.com/barbados-confirms-161-cases-of-covid-19-at-dodds-prison/
Canada - Toronto jail tries to bring COVID-19 outbreak under control after 54 inmates test positive
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/toronto-south-detention-centre-1.5849056
Canada - Inmates 'sitting ducks' as COVID-19 rages through Kingston, Ont., prison, advocate says
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/inmates-covid-19-prison-advocates-1.5849025
Canada - Federal prisons could have better prepared for COVID-19, advocate says after Stony Mountain inmate dies
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/stony-mountain-inmate-covid-19-death-1.5856016
Canada - COVID-19 outbreak at Sask. Penitentiary sparks mental health concerns
With Over 275,000 Infections and 1,700 Deaths, COVID-19 Has Devastated the U.S. Prison and Jail Population
https://time.com/5924211/coronavirus-outbreaks-prisons-jails-vaccines/
US - Study: Prison COVID-19 Spread Led to Hundreds of Thousands of Community Infections
US - COVID-19 spikes follow in prisons after inmate transfers
Reversing course, feds say some US inmates get virus vaccine
US - States Are Shutting Down Prisons as Guards are Crippled By Covid-19
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/01/us/coronavirus-prisons-jails-closing.html
US - ‘People are terrified’: a coronavirus surge across California’s prisons renews calls for releases
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/29/california-coronavirus-cases-prison-system
US - Nearly all inmates in Alaska’s largest prison have contracted Covid-19
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/30/alaska-prison-inmates-contract-covid
US - Number of unsentenced Alaskans behind bars climbs under COVID-19 court, prison constraints
US - Staff shortages, extended lockdowns in coronavirus-ridden Colorado prisons create “tenuous” situations
https://www.denverpost.com/2020/12/19/colorado-prisons-coronavirus-staffing-conditions/
US - New York halts prison visitation as COVID cases spike among incarcerated, staff
Asia
India - ‘Prison population reduced by 10.42% between April and June’
India - COVID-19 Over 2.7K undertrials 41 convicts released in J K
https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2020/12/30/des75-jk-prisoners.html
Iran - Three prisoners die in Evin Prison due to Coronavirus infection
Israel shuts down Ramon prison due to COVID infections
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/29/israel-shuts-ramon-prison-over-coronavirus-infections
Outcry after Israeli Minister Withholds COVID Vaccine from Palestinian Prisoners
Malaysia - Covid-19: Prisons Dept uses two SOPs to prevent infection among prison community
Myanmar – 55 more inmates get COVID-19 in Bago
https://www.mmtimes.com/news/55-more-inmates-get-covid-19-bago.html
Pakistan - Virus spreading rapidly in Sindh’s overcrowded jails
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2276766/virus-spreading-rapidly-in-sindhs-overcrowded-jails
South Korea tries to contain coronavirus outbreak in prison
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-southkorea-idUKKBN29405B
Europe
Virus besets Belarus prisons filled with president's critics
England and Wales - Covid has killed 16 prison staff and 2,000 are off sick with the virus
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/13579892/covid-prison-staff-killed-and-sick/
England and Wales - New Covid strain could see ‘heavy toll’ of infections in jails, warns former prisons watchdog
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/new-coronavirus-strain-prisons-jails-b1776730.html
England and Wales - Coronavirus outbreak at The Mount prison in Hemel Hempstead
England and Wales - 'Special measures' in place amid Covid-19 outbreak on wing at Walton jail
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/special-measures-place-amid-covid-19550496
England and Wales - Inmates at one of Wales' biggest prisons were locked down for 23 hours on Christmas Day
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/coronavirus-parc-prison-bridgend-inmates-19523566
England and Wales - Fresh calls for answers over HMP Norwich coronavirus outbreak
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/fresh-all-for-answers-over-norwich-prison-outbreak-6873928
England and Wales - Number of staff at Dartmoor Prison seriously reduced by Covid outbreak
England and Wales - How HMP Lowdham Grange battled back after 177 inmates caught coronavirus during outbreak
https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/how-hmp-lowdham-grange-battled-4797410
France - Prison de l’île de Ré : cinq membres du personnel testés positifs au Covid-19
Greece - New prison decongestion bill to introduce community service
Ireland - Covid-19: Staff at Wheatfield Prison test positive for virus
Ireland - Prisoners turn down temporary release over virus fears
https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2020/1223/1186203-coronavirus-prisoners/
Covid: Isle of Man Prison lockdown policy 'breached human rights'
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-isle-of-man-55414002
Scotland - More than 17,000 ‘lifeline’ virtual prison visits held during pandemic
Number of remand prisoners in Scotland jumps despite plan to reduce jail population
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/number-remand-prisoners-scotland-jumps-23234160
Scotland - Hundreds of drug-related items confiscated from inmates in Glasgow prison since start of lockdown
Spanish Prisons Have Lowest Inmate Population in 10 Years
https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2021/01/01/spanish-prisons-have-lowest-inmate-population-in-10-years/
42 inmates test positive for COVID-19 in Turkey’s Düzce Prison as cases soar
https://stockholmcf.org/42-inmates-test-positive-for-covid-19-in-turkeys-duzce-prison-as-cases-soar/
News 18 December
Africa
Mozambique: Nyusi Announces Pardon for Prisoners
https://allafrica.com/stories/202012170828.html
Americas
Canada - Disrupting volunteer-led prison programs cuts a fundamental lifeline for everyone in the system
https://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/opinion-prison-volunteers-1.5815920
Canada - Corrections confirms 80 inmates, 4 staff members infected with COVID-19 at Kingston prison
https://globalnews.ca/news/7528660/80-inmates-covid-19-kingston-ont-prison/
Canada - Legal groups say Ontario misled public with claim it reduced inmate population by 30 per cent early in pandemic
1 in 5 prisoners in the US has had COVID-19, 1,700 have died
https://www.fox23.com/news/health/1-5-prisoners-us-has/EADU56Z6KRUHLBS3HHCYH6UI3Q/
US - How COVID-19 Exposes America’s Addiction to Incarceration
https://thecrimereport.org/2020/12/17/how-covid-19-exposes-americas-addiction-to-incarceration/
US - ‘Of Course, It Feels Unsafe’: Colorado Prisons Face Staffing Crisis As Hundreds Of Guards, Inmates Sickened
US - Covid-19 hospitalizations at Illinois corrections department leave incarcerated peoples’ loved ones in the dark
US - Michigan prisoner deaths from COVID-19 surpass 100
US - New York prisons see over 2,000 COVID cases amid calls for transparent testing data
Asia
India - Post Covid, 1,356 prisoners walk free from Ludhiana jails
Malaysia - EMCO at Kluang prison and its quarters due to spike in Covid-19 cases
Malaysia - Covid-19: Spike in Melaka cases due to influx of prisoners from Kajang, Sg Buloh prisons
Europe
France - Prison de Condé. Huit membres du personnel atteints du Covid-19 : un dépistage massif prévu
News 17 December
Americas
U.S. lawmakers press prison authorities on inmate COVID-19 vaccination plans
US - COVID Cases in Prisons and ICE Immigration Jails Surpass 250,000
https://truthout.org/articles/covid-cases-in-prisons-and-ice-immigration-jails-surpass-250000/
US - Incarcerated Populations Served as Super-Spreaders in Many Communities: Study
US (California) - Hundreds of state prison inmates in San Diego County sickened with COVID-19
US (California) - During the pandemic, chaplains are a lifeline for inmates
US - Oregon faces precarious legal position as COVID-19 in prisons lawsuit proceeds
https://www.opb.org/article/2020/12/16/oregon-department-corrections-covid-19-inmates-lawsuit/
US (New Mexico) - Inmates sue prison, claim lack of COVID-19 safeguards
Asia
Beyond The Mahara Prison Riot: The Problems With Sri Lanka’s Penal System
Europe
England and Wales - Prison bosses refused to put HMP Frankland in 'full lockdown' despite rising coronavirus cases
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/prison-bosses-refused-put-hmp-19467980
Ireland - Drug seizures at Cork prison showed little decrease in 2020 despite Covid-19 restrictions
https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40191987.html
WHO experts to check ability of Ukrainian prisons to resist outbreaks of diseases
News 16 December
Americas
Belize - Home Affairs Minister hands over personal protective equipment to Central Prison
Canada - The pandemic has offered a look at prison reform possibilities
https://www.macleans.ca/opinion/the-pandemic-has-offered-a-look-at-prison-reform-possibilities/
US - COVID-19 Underscores Prison Labor Exploitation Crisis
https://hillreporter.com/commentary-covid-19-underscores-prison-labor-exploitation-crisis-87486
US - Prisoners have been excluded from Covid vaccine plans. And health experts are sounding the alarm
US (Nebraska) - Prison visitations will be back at five facilities
https://fox42kptm.com/news/local/prison-visitations-will-be-back-at-five-facilities
US (Pennsylvania) - PSCOA calls for statewide prison lockdown and suspension of inmate transfers
US - California sheriff refusing to comply with order to release inmates due to COVID
US - Report: Corrections officials in Louisiana failed to protect inmates, staff from COVID-19
US - Prisons, inmates and their families dispute Delaware's response to COVID-19 outbreak
Asia
India - Post unlockdown: Prison population increases to 31,000 in Maharashtra
India - Maharashtra: Study spanning 11 jails throws light on experiences of prisoners meeting families
Malaysia - 11,000 undocumented migrants to be deported to reduce prison overcrowding
Pakistan - COVID-19 cases in Sindh's prisons spike from 31 to 112 in 10 days
Pakistan - Jail inmates suffer unheard: Amid pandemic, centenarian prisoner dies
Europe
England and Wales - 'People need to know' - call for clarity over prison Covid-19 outbreak
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/call-for-greater-clarity-over-prison-outbreak-6755072
England and Wales - Covid: Lincoln Prison outbreak linked to high levels of virus
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-55317293
Scotland - More than 760 days lost due to Covid-19 at north-east prison
News 15 December
Americas
Canada - 24 inmates test positive for COVID-19 at Saskatchewan Penitentiary
US - Researchers Estimate Mass Incarceration Contributed To More Than Half A Million Additional Cases Of COVID-19 Over The Summer
https://theappeal.org/covid-19-community-spread-mass-incarceration-prison-policy-institute-report/
US (California) - Judge Orders 50 Percent Reduction in Orange County Jail Population due to COVID-19
US (North Carolina) - Expert, judge plan closer look at how NC prisons decide who to release for COVID
US - Federal prison workers to start getting vaccinated Wednesday
https://nypost.com/2020/12/14/federal-prison-workers-to-start-getting-vaccinated-wednesday/
US (New Hampshire) - COVID-19 cases among state prison inmates skyrocket to 152, with 31 in Berlin facility
US - Almost 25% in Wyoming Corrections System Positive for COVID
https://k2radio.com/almost-25-in-wyoming-corrections-system-positive-for-covid/
US (Oregon) - Indigenous inmates, volunteers navigate a year without ceremonies, celebrations
https://www.opb.org/article/2020/12/14/native-american-religious-services-oregon-prison-covid-19/
Europe
16 inmates in one Turkish prison diagnosed with COVID-19 as cases soar
https://stockholmcf.org/16-inmates-in-one-turkish-prison-diagnosed-with-covid-19-as-cases-soar/
News 12 – 14 December
Americas
Canada - Twenty-five inmates at a Toronto prison test positive for coronavirus
Q&A: The COVID-19 Crisis in Mexico’s Prisons
https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/q-and-a-the-covid-19-crisis-in-mexicos-prisons
US (Texas) - Prisoners Are Setting Fires To Protest Pandemic Conditions
https://www.themarshallproject.org/2020/12/13/prison-fires
US (California) - High-Risk Inmates Aren’t Prioritized In State’s Early Releases
US (California) - Coronavirus numbers for inmates soar across the state
US - Mass. Prisoners Among The First To Get COVID Vaccines
https://www.wbur.org/news/2020/12/13/mass-prisoners-among-the-first-to-get-covid-vaccines
US - Washington Dept. of Health not advising prison system on COVID, despite outbreaks
US (Washington) - Mock funeral asks for prison COVID-19 safety
US - Hawaii sees 3 more coronavirus deaths and 90 new infections; Honolulu prison cluster grows
Asia
Pakistan: Overcrowding in Pakistan’s prisons is a ticking time bomb
Pakistan - Kohat jail houses over 500 inmates against capacity for 108
https://www.dawn.com/news/1595315
Fear of contracting COVID-19 led to Sri Lanka prison riot: Probe panel
Sri Lanka - Coronavirus prison cluster exceeds 3000
https://colombogazette.com/2020/12/14/coronavirus-prison-cluster-exceeds-3000/
Europe
England and Wales - COVID-19 outbreak at Lincoln prison
https://thelincolnite.co.uk/2020/12/covid-19-outbreak-at-lincoln-prison/
England and Wales - Outbreak of coronavirus at Nottinghamshire prison is causing major spike in district
England and Wales - Coronavirus outbreak at HMP Bedford leads to 24 hour lockdown and ‘mini riots’ by inmates
England and Wales - Part of Elmley Prison, Sheppey, isolated for second time amid Covid-19 outbreak
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news/part-of-prison-isolating-for-second-time-239087/
Oceania
Australia (Victoria) - Lawyers call for an end to mandatory quarantine for new prisoners
New Zealand - Person held for 273 days in Christchurch prison due to Covid travel disruption
New Zealand - Surprise inspection finds 'deeply concerning' issues at Auckland Prison in Paremoremo
News 11 December
Worldwide COVID-19 Decarceration: A Lost Opportunity
https://filtermag.org/worldwide-covid-decarceration-lost-opportunity/
Experts call to include prisons in COVID-19 vaccine plans
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)32663-5/fulltext
Americas
COVID-19 aggravating Brazil’s Jails Crisis
https://america.cgtn.com/2020/12/10/covid-19-aggravating-brazils-jails-crisis
Canada - Young people facing serious new hurdles in justice system amid COVID-19, advocates warn
US - Advocates concerned over COVID-19 outbreaks, no running water inside Arizona prisons
US - 12th Iowa prison inmate dies from COVID-19 complications
https://kwwl.com/2020/12/10/12th-iowa-prison-inmate-dies-from-covid-19-complications/
US (Pennsylvania) - COVID-19 outbreak at Philly jails panics staff and prisoners ‘in the eye of the storm’
US (Virginia) - Inmates frustrated by COVID-19 Prison Spike: ‘Nobody really cares’
https://www.whsv.com/2020/12/10/inmates-frustrated-by-covid-19-prison-spike-nobody-really-cares/
Asia
Pakistan - Rights bodies concerned at prisons overcrowding during second wave
https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/1595080
Following deadly riot, spotlight on Sri Lanka’s prison conditions
Europe
England and Wales - Ten staff members and seven prisoners test positive for Covid at Doncaster prison
Italy - COVID: Infected jail inmates pass 1,000
Northern Ireland - In-person prison visiting allowed in run up to Christmas but festive leave scheme paused because of Covid
News 10 December
Americas
Canada - La moitié des détenus de la prison de Percé déclarés positifs à la COVID-19
US - Gaps Found in State Plans to Give Incarcerees COVID Vaccine
https://thecrimereport.org/2020/12/09/gaps-found-in-state-plans-to-give-incarcerees-covid-vaccine/
US - Justice Dept. Sues Alabama Over Prison Conditions
https://www.npr.org/2020/12/10/944879818/justice-dept-sues-alabama-over-prison-conditions
US (Nevada) - Prison officials defend response to pandemic as cases near 1,600, death toll hits 7
US - Oregon Prison Inmates Promised Early Release Due to COVID-19 Are Still Waiting
US - Colorado prison has one of the worst federal facility outbreaks in US
US - Gov. Wolf: Pennsylvania Reduces Prison Population By Record-Setting 3,471 Since March 1
US (Washington) - WA Inmates Say They're Retaliated Against For Getting COVID-19
https://patch.com/washington/seattle/wa-inmates-say-theyre-retaliated-against-getting-covid-19
Asia
Cambodia - Concerns over prisoners’ health due to COVID-19
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50791451/concerns-over-prisoners-health-due-to-covid-19/
Cambodia: Urgently Protect Prisoners from COVID-19
https://www.licadho-cambodia.org/pressrelease.php?perm=466
Malaysia - Rais: Both Houses to meet with Home Ministry over overcrowding in prisons and Covid-19
Pakistan - Over 100 prisoners relocated after Covid detection in jail
https://www.dawn.com/news/1594895/over-100-prisoners-relocated-after-covid-detection-in-jail
Europe
England and Wales - Covid: Restrictions at Bedford jail have 'significant impact' on inmates
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-55239758
England and Wales - UK youth jail rebuked for keeping new inmates in solitary for two weeks
News 9 December
Americas
Belize Central Prison down to zero Covid-19 cases
https://lovefm.com/belize-central-prison-down-to-zero-covid-19-cases/
Canada - B.C. Appeal Court ruling latest decision to recognize COVID-19 risk in sentencing
US - COVID-19 Has Killed More Prisoners in 2020 Than the Death Penalty Has in 43 Years
US - Covid-19 vaccine distribution must prioritize prisoners. The virus is killing more of them.
US - Rising Jail Admissions Called New COVID-19 Threat
https://thecrimereport.org/2020/12/08/rising-jail-admissions-called-new-covid-19-threat/
US - Infected Behind Bars: Michigan Covid Cases Include 16,000 From State Prisons
US - The Coronavirus Pandemic Has Exposed The Absurdities Of New York’s Parole System
https://theintercept.com/2020/12/08/covid-new-york-parole-reform/
US (New York) - Auburn, Cayuga prisons suspend inmate visitation due to COVID-19 outbreaks
US (Arizona) - 655 inmates at Yuma Prison test positive for coronavirus
https://kyma.com/news/2020/12/08/covid-outbreak-at-arizona-state-prison-complex-in-yuma/
Asia
India - High Powered Committee to direct return of on-parole prisoners released from jail amid COVID-19 without delay: State tells Kerala High Court
Malaysia - Covid-19: More than 2k prisoners and detainees have tested positive since May
Sri Lanka - Special COVID-19 Treatment Centres for Prison Inmates – NOCPCO Task Force
News 8 December
Americas
Canada - Internal report highlights ongoing problems in N.W.T. correction centres
US (Texas) - ‘Alarming’ COVID-19 cases among Fort Worth prison staff reach all-time high
https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article247681635.html
US (Pennsylvania) - Pa. prisons won’t mandate COVID tests for staff, even as outbreaks grow frequent and deadly
US (Washington) - ‘Extreme stress’: Inmates at state’s first prison to face an outbreak watch cases surge again
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/dec/07/extreme-stress-inmates-at-states-first-prison-to-f/
US - Fewer Ohio Inmates During Pandemic, But ACLU Still Concerned
https://www.ideastream.org/news/fewer-ohio-inmates-during-pandemic-but-aclu-still-concerned
Asia
Malaysia - Senators support prison reform motion
https://themalaysianreserve.com/2020/12/08/senators-support-prison-reform-motion/
Sri Lanka - Early release for drug addicted inmates
https://www.dailynews.lk/2020/12/08/local/235522/early-release-drug-addicted-inmates
UAE- 540 inmates in Sharjah prison e-meet loved ones amid Covid-19 pandemic
Uzbek President Marks Constitution Day With Pardons, Easing Sentences Of Dozens Of Convicts
https://www.rferl.org/a/uzbek-president-marks-constitution-day-with-pardons/30989879.html
Europe
England and Wales - Spike in violence after coronavirus lockdown in Chelmsford Prison
https://www.yellowad.co.uk/spike-in-violence-after-coronavirus-lockdown-in-chelmsford-prison/
Ireland - Inmates should be among first to get Covid-19 vaccine, says prison service
Turkey - COVID-19 spreads very fast in prison, warns rights organization
News 5-7 December
Americas
Canada - Remand numbers for Saskatoon jail show people awaiting trial outnumber guilty behind bars
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/remand-numbers-for-saskatoon-jail-show-1.5827191
Canada - Inmate alleges pandemic mishandling at Calgary Remand Centre, where outbreak has infected 195
Trinidad & Tobago - Visits to resume at prisons
http://www.looptt.com/content/visits-resume-prisons
US - COVID-19 Has Reshaped the Justice System; But Will It Last?
https://thecrimereport.org/2020/12/04/covid-19-has-reshaped-the-justice-system-but-will-it-last/
US - Covid-19 is raging through overcrowded California prisons
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/05/us/california-overcrowded-prisons-covid/index.html
US (California) - Amid virus outbreaks, majority of medically high-risk prisoners were not considered for release
https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/Chronicle-Exclusive-Amid-virus-outbreaks-15778887.php
US (New York) - State: Fewer parole decisions amid pandemic part of prison trend
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/DOCCS-Fewer-parole-decisions-amid-pandemic-part-15773312.php
US - 8 ways Michigan is trying to prevent rapid spread of COVID-19 in prisons, according to governor
US - Three Pennsylvania prisoners died of COVID-19 this weekend
https://eu.ydr.com/story/news/2020/12/06/covid-19-death-toll-pennsylvania-prisons-rises/3853159001/
US - More than 1,100 Nevada prisoners have tested positive for COVID-19
Asia
India - Women prisoners in Thane and Kalyan jail battle depression as they cannot meet kin
India - Karnataka: Prisoners can meet family via video call
Malaysia - Senate panel calls for reforms to ease prison congestion
Sri Lanka - Over 2000 prison-associated cases of COVID-19
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_20B/Dec06_1607270342CH.php
Sri Lanka - 8,000 prison inmates expected to be released before 31 Dec.: Lohan Ratwatte
http://www.themorning.lk/8000-prison-inmates-expected-to-be-released-before-31-dec-lohan-ratwatte/
Thai king pardons, issues amnesty to tens of thousands in prison
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/12/5/thai-king-to-pardon-cut-jail-sentence-of-tens-of-thousands
Europe
Cyprus - Coronavirus: prison ‘not impacted’ by inmate and staff cases, authorities say
England and Wales - Hundreds of immigration detainees held in jails ‘blocked from accessing legal advice’ during pandemic
England and Wales - Coronavirus outbreak confirmed at Norwich Prison
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus-outbreak-at-city-jail-6602372
Ireland - Prisoners allowed one visit over Christmas period due to Covid-19
Isle of Man - Cell phones for prison inmates
News 4 December
Americas
US - Why Inmates Should Be at the Front of the Vaccination Lines
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/03/opinion/coronavirus-vaccine-jail.html
US - 200+ Health Experts Urge Biden to Reduce 'Dangerously Overcrowded' Prisons During Pandemic
US (New York) - Cuomo loosens reins on prison access for oversight group
https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Cuomo-loosens-reins-on-prison-access-for-15773847.php
US - As New York Coronavirus Metrics Worsen, State Prisons See Outbreaks
US (Missouri) - Jackson County jail a ‘cesspool’ of germs as COVID outbreak infects dozens, inmate says
https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article247534315.html
Asia
India - E-mulakat facility for prisoners
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/e-mulakat-facility-for-prisoners/article33242904.ece
Pakistan - Sindh’s prisons beat the virus odds
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2274550/sindhs-prisons-beat-the-virus-odds
Saudi Arabia - Justice Ministry expands remote prosecution services
https://www.arabnews.com/node/1772251/saudi-arabia
Sri Lanka - Special plan to counter COVID-19 spread in prisons
https://www.newsfirst.lk/2020/12/04/special-plan-to-counter-covid-19-spread-in-prisons/
News 3 December
Africa
Ghana - 54 prison officers, 44 inmates contracted COVID-19 since March – Superintendent Atsem reveals
Americas
Canada - Saskatoon jail outbreak sparks discussion about alternatives to incarceration
Canada - Autre éclosion de COVID-19 dans une prison de la Gaspésie
US - Officials Spar Over Covid Spread Through Prison System
https://www.courthousenews.com/officials-spar-over-covid-spread-through-prison-system/
US - Visitation suspended at Tennessee prisons due to rise in COVID-19 cases
https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/local/story/2020/dec/02/visitation-prisons-suspended/537150/
US - COVID-19 Continues To Spread Through Michigan’s Prison Population
US - Florida Inmate COVID-19 Deaths Up To 189
https://miami.cbslocal.com/2020/12/02/florida-inmate-covid-19-deaths-up-to-189/
Europe
England and Wales - Lancashire prison dealing with 'large outbreak' of coronavirus cases
Greece - 46 inmates, one employee test positive for coronavirus in Larissa prison
News 2 December
Africa
Malawi Prisons Registers No Covid-19
https://allafrica.com/stories/202012011059.html
Zimbabwe - State Ordered To Supply Water Daily To Chikurubi Prison Inmates
https://www.newzimbabwe.com/state-ordered-to-supply-water-daily-to-chikurubi-prison-inmates/
Americas
Canada - Calls grow louder to get remanded prisoners, other offenders out of Saskatoon Correctional Centre
US - Food Insecurity and Collateral Consequences of Punishment Amidst the COVID‐19 Pandemic
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wmh3.378
US - Texas to shutter three more prisons as units face critical staffing shortages
https://www.texastribune.org/2020/12/01/texas-prisons-close-understaffing/
US - COVID-19 Infections Hit Record High In California Prisons
US - Delaware reports new COVID cases in prisons
https://www.delawarepublic.org/post/delaware-reports-new-covid-cases-prisons
US (Rhode Island) - Medical director for RI prisons quits as coronavirus cases spike
https://thepublicsradio.org/article/medical-director-for-ri-prisons-quits-as-coronavirus-cases-spike
US - Second Alaska inmate dies with COVID-19 as cases surge in state’s largest prison
US - Four Colorado DOC prisoners die within past week of COVID-19, officials report
Asia
India - Panel endorses extension of bails to 3,499 prisoners
Sri Lanka to release hundreds of inmates as death toll from prison riot rises
Europe
England and Wales - Lindholme prison coronavirus regime too 'restrictive'
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-55144509
Guernsey - Covid Means I Can't See My Partner In Prison. It’s Torture
https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/covid-prison_uk_5fc67e0bc5b61d04bfada6e7
Switzerland - Deux prisons entières en isolement
https://www.tdg.ch/deux-prisons-entieres-en-isolement-373200889516
News 1 December
Africa
Kenya - 11 convicts test positive for COVID-19 in Maralal Prison
https://www.kbc.co.ke/11-test-positive-covid-19-maralal-prison/
Americas
Bahamas - Prison commissioner defends health and dietary protocol for inmates
https://ewnews.com/prison-commissioner-defends-health-and-dietary-protocol-for-inmates
Canada - Jail COVID numbers continue to rise with inmates living in confined quarters
Canada - Inmates triple-bunked at Calgary Remand Centre despite 'significant' COVID-19 outbreak: defence lawyer
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-remand-centre-covid-outbreak-1.5822434
US - Prisons Are Covid-19 Hotbeds. When Should Inmates Get the Vaccine?
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/30/health/coronavirus-vaccine-prisons.html
US - Prison population in Illinois battling COVID-19 outbreaks
https://www.walls102.com/prison-population-in-illinois-battling-covid-19-outbreaks/
US - Two Ohio Prison Officers Die From COVID-19
https://radio.wosu.org/post/two-ohio-prison-officers-die-covid-19#stream/0
US (North Carolina) - Three NC prison facilities close over COVID surge
https://www.wral.com/three-nc-prison-facilities-close-over-covid-surge/19407724/
US - Report: Washington prisons officials botched response to COVID-19 outbreak at Coyote Ridge Corrections Center
Asia
India - Prisoners released during pandemic in UP, asked to return to jail
Sri Lanka - Govt. answerable for Prison safety of prisoners: Opposition
Europe
England and Wales - HMP Lowdham Grange provides update on coronavirus cases inside prison
https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/local-news/hmp-lowdham-grange-provides-update-4750347
Italy - COVID: Almost 1,000 prison inmates infected