To critical level only

The expert group also warned that the SPS is “not well-equipped’ to manage staff-shortages as a result of self-isolation and sickness.

They have now listed out a set of demands in order to reduce the threat to prisoners during the current pandemic.

That includes a “clear and detailed” statement from the SPS on their COVID-19 policy, which should be communicated “immediately to all staff and all imprisoned people and their families.”

The ban on mobile phones should also be lifted, says SPARC, to allow for greater communication with loved ones during isolation – as well as the ability to still receive the same level of care include those on managed medication, stoma care, complex mobility issue, advanced dementia, peg feeding, no family support or carer support, receiving bed care, all service users in receipt make video calls to families.

A Scottish Prison Service spokeswomen said: “The safety and wellbeing of those living and working in our establishments is a priority for the Scottish Prison Service.

“SPS is following the advice of Health Protection Scotland and clinically-led protocols for the management and care of those who contract COVID-19 are in place.

“Advice and guidance about steps which should be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have already been issued to staff and those in our care.

“To date there have been two of overnight home care.

The council said it is always based on assessed care needs.

Glasgow City Council and the Health and Social Care partnership is coming under staffing pressure across services to cope with people off work, self-isolating or who are in vulnerable groups who need to reduce contact with others.

The council said it is taking all necessary steps to ensure the most vulnerable in the city continue to receive the support they need.

A spokeswoman for Glasgow HSCP said: “We have taken the difficult decision to move to critical care cover in Homecare for all areas of the city.”