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<p>This Government is not going to release all remand prisoners or all prisoners over
the age of 70, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.</p><p>On 4 April, this Government
announced the End of Custody Temporary Release scheme (ECTR). This scheme enables
risk-assessed prisoners, who are within two months of their release date, to be temporarily
released from custody, as part of the national approach to managing public services
during this challenging period. No high-risk offenders, including those convicted
of violent or sexual offences, anyone of national security concern or a danger to
children, will be considered for release, nor any prisoners who have not served at
least half their custodial term. This scheme only applies to prisoners serving standard
determinate sentences with an automatic release point and those committed to custody
for fine default or contempt, which also excludes remand prisoners. However, good
progress has been made in reducing the number on remand and we are grateful to the
Judiciary in their assistance in prioritising these cases.</p><p>For those who remain
in custody, including prisoners over the age of 70, further operational guidance has
been issued across the prison estate updating national policies on regime management
following the Government steer on social distancing, shielding and household isolation.
We have introduced cohorting arrangements in prisons endorsed by Public Health England
to create safe environments for social distancing and household isolation. This involves
isolating those with symptoms, shielding those most at vulnerable and quarantining
new admissions in isolation from the rest of the prison for 14 days in Reverse Cohort
Units to reduce the risk of infection.</p><p>In addition, pregnant women, prisoners
living in Mother and Baby Units and those identified as ‘extremely vulnerable’ as
defined in the NHS guidelines will merit consideration for release on temporary licence
on compassionate grounds during the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>
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