Inmates to be locked in their cells for 23 hours a day

Inmates at prisons in England and Wales have been locked down with restrictions on movements and a ban on all visits, to combat coronavirus.

The rules mean prisoners will be locked in their cells for 23 hours a day and only allowed out to shower, make phone calls and for exercise.

Any movements, including exercise, will require them to stay two metres apart. Staff will communicate with them via notes under cell doors.

Those with essential jobs, such as kitchen and laundry staff, will be allowed to carry on working.

It is expected that inmates will be allowed free phone calls to compensate for the loss of visits.