Inmates now get visits

DEPARTMENT: STRICT COVID RULES WILL APPLY FOR SINGLE VISITOR A MONTH

The department of correctional services has reviewed its Covid-19 risk-adjusted strategy, with visits to inmates countrywide now permitted. “Inmate visits to correctional centres and remand detention centres shall be permitted under strict conditions, observing Covid-19 health protocols, as well as departmental standard operating procedures,” it said yesterday.

“It is critical for members of the public to observe that visits are limited to one noncontact visit per inmate per calendar month, and only one visitor per inmate at a time.”

According to the department, bookings must be prearranged at least 48 hours prior to the intended visit to ensure proper planning.

“No visits will be allowed without prior appointment. Only visitors with face masks, as per the approved name list, will be allowed access.”

Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the visitikng time between 9am and 3pm.

Inmates will be allowed to receive items, as per their privilege group and as prescribed in the policy.

At centres housing both sentenced and remand categories and depending on the number of inmates, remand detainees may receive visits on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, excluding public holidays, Sentenced offenders will be allowed visits on Wednesdays, Thursdays, weekends and public holidays.

“Visitors who have been in contact with Covid-19 positive cases must indicate that to allow our healthcare practitioners to conduct extensive screening, which includes taking of vital signs. It is important to note that provision of false information is a criminal offence,” the department said.

Consultation visits between legal practitioners and inmates will be noncontact and shall observe Covid-19 health protocols and operating procedures.

But legal practitioners must make prior arrangements with the head of the centre and must have proof of identity.

On urgent matters, legal representatives and inmates may communicate telephonically after approval from the head.

The department said its top priority remained the health and safety of officials, inmates and the public. “We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust safety measures and procedures where necessary,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za