The Public Defender has been pointing out in the reports for years the circumstances that hinder the effectiveness of this mechanism.97 In particular, the established practice of meeting a prisoner and a doctor in a non-confidential environment is problematic. In 2020, inmates were still mentioning during interviews that their meeting with the doctor was usually attended by a facility security guard. According to the Public Defender, in the absence of proper qualifications and information, doctors are unable to explain the importance and purpose of documenting injuries and gain the confidence of the prisoner. 2.4. Epidemiological conditions Special measures have been introduced in the penitentiary establishments to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.98 Disinfectants were placed at the entrances of the establishments, disinfection barriers and disinfection corridors were arranged. Individuals entering the facility after thermo-screening are provided with personal protective equipment (coats, veils, gloves, face shields, caps and shoe covers). During the visits, the staff of the penitentiary institutions were provided with personal protection equipment and disinfectants. In terms of training and instruction, only part of the medical staff was trained in COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment.99 Other employees of the institutions did not receive any training related to COVID-19. It is important that both medical and non-medical staff are trained in infection control (with a particular focus on COVID-19) to ensure effective implementation of infection control measures. Study topics should include at least the following issues: pathogen, routes of transmission, symptoms, and clinical course of the disease; hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette; use of personal protective equipment and preventive measures related to the environment, including cleaning and disinfection.100 It should be positively noted that the staff of the establishment underwent PCR test once in 2 weeks, and then once in 72 hours a rapid test for antigen.101 Rapid testing for prisoners during placement in the N2 and N8 facilities started in June 2020. As for the inmates already in the facilities, they were not screened (including thermoscreening) for the new coronavirus. According to the medical staff, this was not necessary because the prisoners had no contact with the outside world. According to them, as a rule, a convict with a fever goes to the medical staff and will be provided with medical assistance on the spot or if the temperature can not be managed on the spot, the convict will be taken to a civilian hospital.102 It should be noted positively that according to the Special Penitentiary Service from October 12, 2020 all See National Prevention Mechanism 2019 Report. P. 49-51. Available: < https://www.ombudsman.ge/res/docs/2020033122424787329.pdf > [last visited: 31.01.2021]. 98 Order N4109 of March 5, 2020 of the Director General of the Special Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia on the Introduction of Special Conditions in Penitentiary Establishments. 99 According to the information published by the Special Penitentiary Service, 70 medical personnel were trained. See the link <https://bit.ly/3o1Z3q2> [last visited: 31.01.2021]. 100 Preparedness, prevention and control of COVID-19 in prisons and other places of detention (Interim guidance), WHO, March 2020, p. 9. 101 From October 2020. 102 In case the convict develops other symptoms characteristic of a new coronavirus disease in addition to fever, the patient 97 should be isolated and transferred to a civilian clinic as a matter of urgency. 48