Prevention Measures in European Prisons against COVID-19

Updated on 12.06.2020

General Preventive Measures

Danish Prison and Probation Service is continuously kept updated with the latest enforcement notices from the Danish government and the Danish health authorities by which we tailor our efforts to reduce the risk of the virus spreading in prisons, as well as society.

Contingency plans for all institutions are in place and are frequently updated to keep staff informed about how guidelines and directions from the health authorities are to be handled locally.

All prisoner’s leave permissions have been recalled and will only be granted leave under urgent circumstances.

Following the Danish government’s demand to not be gathered more than 10 people outside, the prison staff is striving towards having a maximum of 10 prisoners gathering as well.

Regarding coronavirus tests, Danish Prison and Probation Service are following recommendations and requirements from the Danish health authorities.

Placement / treatment of infected detainees

The Danish prison’s prevention strategy is based on a precautionary principle leading to isolation of prisoners with even minor symptoms. As of 25 March 2020 less than 20 prisoners are isolated due to symptoms associated with COVID-19.

New arrivals

Danish prisons have received remand prisoners continuously during the Danish lockdown.

As of 12 March 2020, the Danish Prison and Probation Service do not receive new electronically monitored prisoners.

Prisons and remand prisons will from mid-June generally have normalised everyday life. Prisoners are granted leave permits and new prisoners are no longer in quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

Prison visits

All prison visits are suspended with the exception of visits from legal representatives.  Other visits, such as visits from religious units or close relatives, are advised to take place by phone. 

On the 18^th May a limited reopening of visits will be introduced. Prisoners with underaged children will be granted one visit of up to two children and one accompanying adult pr. 14 days. Prisoners in the age between 15-17 years will be granted one visit of up to two close relations pr. 14 days. The visits will be held in line with health guidelines and requirements regarding physical surroundings and cleaning.

The Danish Prison and Probation Service is continuously assessing when to further open up visits in prisons.

All prisoners can receive visitors under normal conditions from 12^th June.

Activities / compensation

All indoor fitness facilities have been closed.

Most activities are currently closed down to minimise risks of the virus spreading. Activities are locally carried out in minor groups etc. in regard to the general situation.

The Danish Prison and Probation Service has introduced compensating measures concerning extended access to make phone calls and will supply prisons with video game consols for prisoners to borrow.

Staff

Prison staff is encouraged to avoid physical contact with each other and with prisoners. To the extent possible, non-critical workers (e.g. in administration) are working from home.

To secure order and safety in prisons and detentions, the Danish Prison and Probation Service have prepared plans of action for possible future scenarios containing different action levels to be implemented if necessary. The plans of action describe measures to be initiated in case of a large number of confirmed cases amongst prisoners is revealed or in case prison and detention staff is reduced significantly due to illness caused by COVID-19.

All staff in The Danish Prison and Probation Service is recommended to not travel abroad as this results in a 14 days quarantine upon return to Denmark. As per 15th June it is possible to travel to Iceland, Norway and Germany (to cities with up to 750.000 inhabitants) with no quarantine required before returning to work. 

From the 28^th May administrative and mangement units in Western Denmark started to gradually be physically present at their work places. As per 15^th June administrative and management units in Eastern Denmark follow. Work from home is recommended if circumstances in the workplace allow it. 

From the 10^th August, procedures for physical presence are expected to be normalised.

Legal Measures

Reopening plans

On 17th April the Danish parliament agreed to gradually start reopening Denmark after the lockdown. As a part of this agreement, The Danish Prison and Probation Service will gradually start receiving new prisoners who come in to serve from liberty, i.e. offenders awaiting placement in prison. This process will be strictly monitored to comply with guidelines from the health authorities.

Lifting of Covid-19 Measures

Prisons and remand prisons

Prisons and remand prisons will from mid-June generally have normalised everyday life. Prisoners are granted leave permits and new prisoners are no longer in quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Work and educational activities are also resumed.

Halfway houses

From the beginning of June, halfway houses have normalised everyday life. This includes granting leave and resuming work and educational activities. Also, visits to the halfway house are resumed to normal conditions.

Electronic Monitoring Service (EMS) and probation service

From the 28^th May and until mid-June, EM and probation service have normalised their activities. Gradually, probation supervision requiring physical presence is resumed and convicts eligible for EM will be gradually be summoned. 

Visits

All prisoners can receive visitors under normal conditions from 12^th June.