Route map out of lockdown for jails

PRISON chiefs will this week set out their plans for the loosening of Covid restrictions in place in Scotland’s jails.

Discussions will take place around the relaxation of physical distancing and the wearing of masks in prisons.

It is likely that the ‘opening up’ of the country’s jails will happen in stages in ‘a model akin to schools’, said a source.

Prisoners have had to follow strict protocols to avoid whole building lockdowns.

However, despite the safeguards, in October last year HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow was shut down after two prisoners and one member of staff tested positive for Covid-19.

Last month, almost 100 inmates held in HMP Perth tested positive for the virus, enforcing isolation across the jail.

On Thursday there were 193 individuals self-isolating across five establishments with 26 confirmed cases of Covid.

Families and friends were allowed back into prisons in April to visit inmates.

Visitors not from the same household had to maintain a physical distance of at least one metre while being escorted to the visiting area. All visitors over the age of five were also required to wear a face covering.