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<p>Our plan for easing restrictions in prisons (and re-introducing them where necessary)
will be guided by public health advice alongside an operational assessment of what
can be safely implemented, whilst ensuring we can keep staff and prisoners safe. The
National Framework for prison regimes, which sets out in detail how we will take decisions
about easing coronavirus-related restrictions in prisons, was published on GOV.UK
on 2 June 2020 and updated 18 August 2021: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-national-framework-for-prison-regimes-and-services"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-national-framework-for-prison-regimes-and-services</a></p><p>
</p><p>We had to suspend routine social visits to adults in prisons over the winter,
due to the risks from Covid-19, although visits in exceptional circumstances and visits
to children in custody continued. From March 2021, prisons resumed social visits where
it was safe to do so, as they moved to Stage 3 of the Framework. All prisons are currently
offering in-person prison visits, with physical contact allowed for all people aged
under 11, to reflect public health advice on the lower transmission risks for that
age group and particular needs of children. In addition, two adults from two different
households are now able to visit together, making it easier for prisoners to see more
people.</p><p> </p><p>We are also conducting a national rollout allowing visitors
to Stage 2 prisons to produce a negative rapid test result in order to have physical
contact with the person they are visiting and access to refreshment facilities. Social
distancing measures will remain in place at this time for those aged over 11 who cannot
provide a negative test result.</p><p> </p><p>We continue to maximise the use of video
calling to support positive family ties.</p>
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