RECOMMENDATIONS 4. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ADMINISTRATIONS OF FACILITIES AND POLICYMAKERS As highlighted, some of the existing challenges were magnified and highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, to adequately address future pandemics some general challenges need to be tackled as well. In the following general recommendations will be displayed, followed by concrete recommendations concerning the COVID-19 regulations. General 1. To make informed decisions on the deprivation of liberty of persons with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities and improve their situation, we need to understand the status quo. Therefore, governments should transparently provide data on preventive measures, preferably disaggregated by personal characteristics as well as the place and duration of deprivation of liberty. 2. Reducing the number of persons in preventive measures is a prerequisite to ensure that adequate treatment can be provided. First, authorities should reassess laws and policies to ensure that the deprivation of liberty is used as a last resort and that alternatives are prioritised and applied more frequently. Besides, conditional releases should be reinforced by establishing boards of expert witnesses of psychiatry and other relevant areas of expertise (with extensive knowledge of the psychiatric support system) to share responsibility concerning the risk of recidivism. 3. Ensuring the right to health should be a top priority. By considering the broader context of the deprivation of liberty of persons with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities, there is a pressing need to expand and improve the overall psychosocial support structure. 4. The aim of preventive measures is not punishment but treatment. The involvement of health care personnel can best realise this aim. Consequently, the systems should be adequately equipped with trained and qualified staff. 5. The pandemic has once again proven the importance of exchange and coordination among the relevant stakeholders. The collaboration between the different professions, and preferably with relatives and persons concerned should be strengthened and institutionalised by establishing regular round tables and networks. 17