Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Paragraph: 46
We are pleased to hear that more than 98% of the prison estate now has...
Conclusion
We are pleased to hear that more than 98% of the prison estate now has cohorting in place. This appears to have been an effective strategy for containing the spread of the virus and protect the lives of staff and prisoners. The Committee thank all of the staff who have worked to implement this measure.
Paragraph Reference:
46
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
In March we introduced cohorting strategies, including the ‘compartmentalisation strategy’ across the estate, to isolate the sick, shield the vulnerable and quarantine new arrivals, based on advice from PHE. We are pleased to report that 100% of prisons have implemented compartmentalisation in full and modelling by PHE has supported its effectiveness at preventing explosive outbreaks and protecting the lives of staff, prisoners and young people. As part of the wider strategy, we also significantly reduced transfers between prisons and the cross-deployment of staff. Reducing movements between prisons has mitigated against the risk of importation and onward transmission in custodial settings.