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<p>COVID-19 presents a unique set of challenges that we must address in order to maintain
the provision of services in custody. HMPPS are working very closely with Public Health
England (PHE) to ensure our approach is based on the best scientific advice available.
The safety and wellbeing of staff, prisoners and visitors is paramount and at the
heart of our approach.</p><p> </p><p>We have existing, well-developed policies and
procedures in place to manage outbreaks of infectious diseases. This means prisons
are well prepared to take immediate action whenever cases or suspected cases are identified.
In line with broader clinical advice, HMPPS has introduced a procedure for the protective
isolation of individuals in prison custody when it is considered that they may be
potentially infected with the virus.</p><p> </p><p>As of 24 March, prisons in England
and Wales are temporarily closed to visitors. This is to ensure prisons are complying
with PHE social distancing rules. The usual regime in prisons has also been paused
temporarily to apply social distancing. These measures are vital for keeping prisoners
and staff safe and preventing the spread of the virus.</p><p> </p><p>We are closely
monitoring the number of individuals within the imprisoned community who have tested
positive for COVID-19. As of 31 March, 69 prisoners have tested positive for COVID-19
across 25 prisons.</p>
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