Covid-19 in Prisons 2020-12-08
2020-12-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question addresses the measures taken by the government to manage the spread of COVID-19 within prison facilities during the pandemic.
What steps the Government are taking to respond to covid-19 outbreaks in prisons.
Throughout the pandemic, we have worked really closely with Public Health England to respond to any outbreaks in prison and to keep our staff and those in our custody safe. We are taking a number of measures, which include compartmentalisation—keeping separate the vulnerable, those who are symptomatic and those who are coming into prisons from outside—as well as increased testing and more use of personal protective equipment, including face masks, where it is appropriate.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question pertains to the suggestion of introducing a dedicated hotline for prison staff to report health and safety issues, particularly in relation to COVID-19 protocols.
During these tough times of covid, health and safety is more important than ever. Will the Minister consider introducing a hotline for staff so that they can report health and safety breaches, particularly around the covid question but in other regards as well, given that prisons are a difficult place to work?
I thank the hon. Lady very much for her suggestion. There are a number of hotlines available to staff. We work very closely with the unions on a local level, as well as a national level, but I am very happy to take away her suggestion to see whether it is necessary.
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Assessment & feedback
Introducing a new hotline specifically for reporting health and safety breaches
There Are A Number Of Hotlines Available To Staff
Response accuracy