COVID-19: Important information for visitors to our prisons

Domestic visitors

All personal visits to South Australian prisons have been suspended from Monday 23 March 2020.

The decision to suspend personal prison visits was not made lightly and responds to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation and state and federal health measures.

The health, safety and security of our staff, prisoners, visitors and the community remains our top priority.

We understand the importance of family and community connections to the wellbeing, rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners. We also understand for families and friends the importance of staying connected to prisoners. ​

​Visits will recommence as soon as it is safe to do so, and we will continue to follow the advice of the Chief Health Officer, and federal and state authorities.

Who does this apply to?

This applies to all domestic visitors:

  • Family and friends​.

When will visits resume?

DCS does not currently have a date when domestic visits will be allowed again.

The decision to suspend all personal visits to adult prisons in Australia was announced by the Prime Minister.

The department is continuously monitoring the situation and will continue to follow the advice of SA Health as the lead agency, and federal and state authorities.​​​

Visits will recommence as soon as it is safe to do so.

Video visits for domestic visitors

Video visits are now available for domestic visitors across all our prisons using the Zoom application. See COVID-19: Video visits for domestic visitors for further information.

More information

See COVID-19: Family and Friends FAQs for answers to some of your DCS and COVID-19 questions.

For general information on COVID-19, see the SA Health website or phone the SA Health COVID Information Line on 1800 253 787.

Professional visitors

Professional visitors who are feeling unwell, have been overseas or had contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19 within the last two weeks and are required to self-isolate, are not allowed to visit any of our prisons.

Visitor precautions

Bookings for professional visits have been reduced by 50% with the following precautions:

  • 1 adult visitor per prisoner
  • Prisoner and visitor must sit at least 1.5 metres apart
  • No ‘personal’ contact (handshakes etc)
  • No sharing of equipment (pens and paper etc).

Who does this apply to?

This applies to all professional visitors:

  • Legal professionals
  • Service providers
  • Contractors.

How else can I make contact?

You can also make contact with a prisoner by:

  • Phone links – please enquire with bookings staff
  • Writing to the prisoner c/o:
    • Prisoner name, ID number, and location if known
      Department for Correctional Services
      GPO Box 1747, Adelaide SA 5001

DCS is looking into alternative visit options, including the use of video conferencing applications, for professional visits.

When can I resume visits?

Professional visitors can resume visiting after 14 days if:

  • You are well
  • You have not had contact with a person infected with COVID-19 within the last two weeks.

Why is this happening?

DCS has taken these steps to reduce the risk of COVID-19 entering our prisons.

Prisoners have also been advised to take extra care with their personal hygiene and seek help if they feel unwell.

More information

For more information on COVID-19, see the SA Health website or phone the SA Health COVID Information Line on 1800 253 787.