COVID-19: Positive cases in SA prisons

The Department can confirmed there have been a number of prisoners who tested positive to COVID-19.

As at 11.59pm 13 January 2022, the number of COVID cases DCS is managing are:

New cases for the 24 hours preceding the reporting period.

DCS has recorded a drop in the number of active cases as positive patients complete their 10-day isolation period and are no longer considered an active case. Most prisoners are being managed at site with mild symptoms.

The APC, AWP and Mobilong are experiencing service restrictions while testing and contact tracing are underway. Groups of prisoners are allowed out of their accommodation for periods of time each day whilst maintaining staff and prisoner safety. DCS is committed to delivering as many services as possible at these sites.

The Department is working with SA Health’s Communicable Disease Control Branch (CDCB) and we are responding in accordance with agreed protocols.

Under the DCS COVID-19 Response Plan

• APC, AWP, Mobilong are in Response Level Red
• Port Augusta Prison, Yatala Labour Prison is in Response Level Orange
• Port Lincoln Prison, Cadell Training Centre, Mount Gambier Prison, Adelaide Remand Centre are in Response Level Yellow

At APC, AWP and Mobilong Prison, face-to-face professional visits have been suspended at this stage. Professional visits will be conducted virtually where possible.

At all other sites, visit sessions have been reduced to a one professional visitor per prisoner unless General Manager approved. Professional visitors, including contractors, must show proof of full vaccination upon entry and wear surgical masks at all times during the visit.

As of midnight 29 December 2021, face-to-face domestic visits to all SA prisons have been paused until 23 January 2022. Virtual (Zoom) visits will continue to be facilitated where possible.

The Department has prepared COVID-19 Response Plan to manage COVID cases in our prisons.

All sites have high staff and prisoner vaccination rates with comprehensive PPE, cleaning, and hygiene measures in place.

DCS is taking all preventative steps necessary to ensure the health and safety of our prisons, while prioritising and protecting our prisoners and staff.

How will I know if my family member inside prison has tested positive?

DCS staff are not in a position to share individual prisoners’ medical information with the general public or family members, this includes a prisoner’s COVID status.

All prisoners who test positive to COVID-19 will be provided with the opportunity to inform their families via phone as soon as practicable following a positive test.

What are other ways I can contact a prisoner?

Apart from the prisons currently in lockdown, prisoners have access to telephone facilities and are encouraged to stay in contact with family and friends.

You can also contact a prisoner by writing to them:

• Prisoner name, ID number, and location if known
  Department for Correctional Services
  GPO Box 1747, Adelaide SA 5001.

More information

See COVID-19: Video visits for domestic visitors for further information.

See restrictions that apply for the recommencement of face-to-face visits.

See DCS COVID-19 Response Plan.