Frequently asked questions about prevention and control
of COVID-19 in prisons and places of detention
Why should society be concerned with the health of convicted individuals?
The rights of all people affected by the COVID-19 outbreak must be upheld, and all public health
measures must be carried out without discrimination of any kind. According to international human
rights law, it is the responsibility of the State to ensure that people in prisons and other places of
detention enjoy the same standards of health care that are available in the outside community, without
discrimination on the grounds of their legal status.
How should prison overcrowding be addressed?
Public authorities should take immediate steps to address prison overcrowding, including measures to
respect World Health Organization (WHO) guidance on physical distancing and other health measures.
Release of individuals, particularly those detained for offences not recognized under international law,
should be prioritized; priority should also be given to conditional release, particularly for older persons, ill
people, and others (including pregnant women) with specific risks related to COVID-19.
Should knowledge of contingency planning be restricted to the ministries responsible for
prisons?
Contingency plans should be shared with all involved, including staff members and people living in
prisons, in order to minimize unnecessary fear and anxiety.
What would be the potential impact of COVID-19 surging through prisons?
A sudden eruption of COVID-19 in prisons would put intense pressure on the health-care system. As a
result, the system’s capacity would be overwhelmed by the needs of hundreds or thousands of
individuals currently living in prisons.
© World Health Organization 2020
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http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/healthdeterminants/prisons-and-health