Closed Youth Jail Reopens as Adult Prison to Tackle Covid Crisis
A former Secure Training Centre is set to house its first adult inmates today. This move is part of efforts to expand prison capacity and shield both the public and NHS from the coronavirus fallout.
500 New Single-Occupancy Cells Rolled Out
Since installation began three weeks ago, over 300 temporary single cells have been delivered across nine prisons. The Prison Service is pushing for single-cell accommodations wherever possible to curb infection spread and reduce fatalities.
Prisons Clamp Down on Virus Spread
Strict measures are in place: new cells, restricted prisoner movement, early releases, isolating symptomatic inmates, and quarantining newcomers. These steps have significantly slowed Covid transmission behind bars.
“Latest Public Health England and HM Prison modelling shows each infected inmate now spreads the virus to fewer than one other, cutting outbreak risk and saving lives,” officials confirmed.
Medway Secure Training Centre Reopens for Category D Adults
The former Medway Secure Training Centre, closed since March, will reopen temporarily as a wing of nearby HMP Rochester. It will house up to 70 low-risk category D adult prisoners, staffed by existing Kent prison officers.
Ongoing Cell Installations Across England
- New cells now serve HMPs Highpoint, Hollesley Bay, and North Sea Camp.
- Work continues at HMPs Askham Grange, Coldingley, Hatfield, Lindholme, Littlehey, Moorland, and Wymott.
- Further rollouts are planned as needed to bolster the prison estate.
