COVID-19: Important information for visitors
Domestic and Professional Visits
From Friday 9 September, people in the community who test positive for COVID-19 are only required to isolate for 5 days unless they have continuing symptoms.
However, our prisons are classified as a tier 1 sensitive setting.
This means:
- Entry into a prison will not be permitted until 7 days have passed since testing positive to COVID-19. Entry will be permitted on day 8.
- Staff, visitors and contractors will also not be able to attend a prison site until 8 days after testing positive.
- Prisoners will still need to isolate for 7 days after testing positive to COVID-19.
From Saturday 10 September, domestic visitor numbers will increase to 2 adults and 3 children per visit.
Both domestic and professional visitors are no longer required to RAT prior to entry and there will no longer be a requirement to provide evidence of vaccination.
All visitors must continue to wear masks at all times. Social distancing will continue to be encouraged wherever practicable however limited contact upon arrival is permitted so long as masks remain fitted.
Please help us keep our prisons safe and do not visit if you are unwell or have flu-like symptoms.
Current cases in SA prisons
As at 3 January 2023, the number of COVID cases DCS is managing are:
| Prison | Active cases (prisoner) |
|---|---|
| Adelaide Remand Centre | 5 |
| Yatala Labour Prison | 6 |
| Port Augusta Prison | 0 |
| Mobilong Prison | 14 |
| Port Lincoln Prison | 0 |
| Adelaide Women's Prison | 0 |
| Cadell Training Centre | 3 |
| Adelaide Pre-release Centre | 0 |
| Mount Gambier Prison | 0 |
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.