Prison visits end in bid to slow spread

ALL prison visits have been suspended from today in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus through Scotland’s jails.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf announced the measure together with other plans to keep the justice system running through the pandemic as cases increase across the country.

Yousaf said there were “robust plans” in place for prisons, and that the local governors were in charge of implementing them. Some prisoners could be released.

The minister said “preventing the spread is the priority”.

Last week, the Glasgow Times reported that Barlinnie and other overcrowded jails were a disaster waiting to happen.

The Scottish Prisoner Advocacy & Research Collective (SPARC) warned jails are creating the “perfect” conditions for the rapid spread of the virus.

Yousaf told the Scottish Parliament: “The Scottish Prison Service has suspended prison visits. It is a decision that was not taken lightly.

“Maintaining family contact is crucial and the Scottish Prison Service is working on other options to maintain family relationships.”

He said digital and telecommunication solutions were being investigated.

Yousaf added that the release of some prisoners was also being looked at as a future measure if there was significant staff absence within the prison service.

The Justice Secretary said prison was “a very difficult environment”.

He added that staff absence means “every positive measure” has to be looked at.

He said: “We can’t rule out releasing prisoners. That will be actively explored.”

Yousaf also outlined some of the new tough powers police will have to deal with the coronavirus lockdown – including arresting people flouting guidance.

On the new measures, he said: “This includes powers allowing the police in Scotland to support and enforce public health measures, including powers to detain people and put them in appropriate isolation facilities if necessary to protect public health.

“The Bill also gives Scottish ministers the power to restrict or prohibit events or gatherings where incidence or transmission of coronavirus constitutes a serious and imminent threat to public health.

“These measures are unprecedented but we must take this action now to save lives.

“We are not doing so lightly and have taken this decision based on medical and scientific advice.”