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<p>As a result of the strong but necessary measures we introduced in prisons, including
suspending social visits, lives have been saved and the NHS is being protected from
the impact of widespread local outbreaks.</p><p>Some prisons have already started
to ease restrictions, including re-starting social visits with appropriate social
distancing and hygiene arrangements, and enabling more time out of cell. More prisons
will do so over the coming weeks, guided by public health advice and with safety remaining
the absolute priority.</p><p>Individual prisons and the youth estate will progress
at their own speed, taking full account of their specific local circumstances.</p><p>A
temporary video call service to support prisoners maintaining contact with family
and friends has also been introduced. This is intended for use whilst contact is limited
and we are considering the benefits of maintaining these digital solutions in the
longer term, in line with the recommendations of Lord Farmer’s reviews.</p>
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