Selected topics from 2020 Measures designed to protect inmates from infection In the period after 12 March, the number of inmates in prisons was reduced via initiatives such as early release, suspended sentences and transfer to home detention. This made it possible to avoid inmates having to share a cell; it also made it easier to maintain physical distancing and to safeguard hy­ giene requirements. This is assumed to have been important measures to limit the risk of infection. The Correctional Service also introduced measures to ensure that inmates received information about the COVID-19 pandemic. The Correctional Service cooperated with voluntary agencies in drafting information materials and in setting up information channels to assist next of kin. — The officers organised various games, contests, outdoor exercise, bingo, quizzes etc. Very pleased ! Inmate — Infection control measures led to significant restrictions on inmates’ daily lives In the spring of 2020, a number of restrictions were placed on the daily lives of prisoners, brought about by infection control measures. For example, activities and work programmes were discontinued or reduced considerably. Education programmes were largely cancelled, as it was not considered possible to adapt to digital education, as was the case in schools elsewhere in the country. Visits were no longer permitted; however, arrangements were made for inmates to remain in contact with 21 their lawyer in a way that safeguarded infection control, for example by telephone or through a glass screen. To reduce the adverse effects of these restrictions, several compensatory measures were introduced. Inmates were given access to tablet computers to keep in contact with friends and family who could no longer visit, and the call time for ordinary telephone calls was extended. Several prisons also continued certain work and activity sessions that were consistent with infection control rules. Various activities were organised, such as quizzes, games, extended TV channel access and outdoor training. The survey indicated that significant creativity had been applied in several prisons, regarding compensatory activities. Despite the compensatory measures that were introduced, the impression was that many inmates felt that they spent much more time locked in their cells during a 24-hour period than they would under normal circumstances. Consequently, many of the inmates experienced serving during this period as challenging. Several inmates also reported that they were not given the opportunity to make use of the compensatory measures. — There was a lot of alone time and long days since the work activities were stopped. There was a sense of isolation since the visits were cancelled. Inmate —

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