What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the adequacy of testing, personal protective equipment, isolation and medical and healthcare provision in relation to coronavirus in prisons in Wales?
Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) in Wales is responsible for the prison estate and the Welsh Government and health boards continue to work collaboratively with HMPPS to support the health and well-being of people in the secure estate in Wales.
Outbreaks of the virus are being managed in line with the Outbreak Plan for Prisons in Wales, supported by Covid-19 guidance for prisons and other prescribed places of detention. Welsh Government and Public Health Wales are working with the prisons in Wales to monitor and provide advice as suspected and confirmed cases are identified. There is daily monitoring by HMPPS of the number of new confirmed Covid-19 cases.
A single All Wales Outbreak Control Team has been established covering all prisons in Wales and is chaired by Public Health Wales. It continues to meet on a weekly basis. Individual incident management team meetings for the prisons are also being held when required. As part of outbreak control, there is an ongoing focus on testing, personal protective equipment and the measures and healthcare in place to address Covid-19.