| answer text |
<p>As of 24 March, social visits in prisons in England and Wales are temporarily suspended
to enable us to ensure the safe and secure functioning of our prisons, while enforcing
social distancing. These measures are part of the nationwide efforts to fight coronavirus
and we will review the restrictions in line with updates to public health advice.</p><p>In
recognition of the importance of continued contact with family and to ensure stability
in our jails, the Government has moved quickly to keep prisoners in touch with their
family members. This includes the provision of 900 locked mobile phones to establishments
that do not yet have in-cell telephony.</p><p>Additionally, on 15 May, the Government
announced that secure video calls will be introduced to prisons and young offender
institutions (YOIs) across England and Wales to maintain vital family contact for
prisoners and young offenders during the coronavirus pandemic.</p><p>Following a successful
trial at HMP Berwyn, Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is installing
the technology at 10 institutions with a wider rollout in the coming weeks.</p>
|
|
