Detention Centres: Coronavirus

(asked on 1st May 2020) - View Source

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her Department's policy is on placing people in detention centres during the covid-19 outbreak; and what steps she is taking to protect detainees in those centres from the spread of covid-19.


Answered by
Chris Philp Portrait
Chris Philp
Minister of State (Home Office)
This question was answered on 6th May 2020

The health and safety of those in immigration removal centres is of the utmost importance but we remain committed to removing foreign national offenders or those who violate our immigration rules. Detention plays a key role in securing our borders and maintaining effective immigration control.

There is a general presumption of liberty for all individuals. Detention is used only when necessary, and decisions to detain an individual are made on a case by case basis and are based on all of the information known at the time of the review. As circumstances of the case change, detention is reviewed in light of these changes and release may then become appropriate.

The Home Office is following all Public Health England guidance and have robust contingency plans in place including measures such as protective isolation and shielding to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading in the immigration detention estate. All detainees are seen by a nurse within two hours of arrival in an immigration removal centre and have the option to see a doctor within 24 hours of arrival.

Additionally, all those who fall into the Public Health England ‘high risk’ cohort receive personal care plans. Further measures including reverse cohorting, single occupancy rooms and the cessation of social visits have been introduced in line with the Government direction on social distancing.

Basic hygiene is a key part of tackling COVID-19. Handwashing facilities are available in all immigration removal centres and we are working closely with suppliers to ensure we have an adequate supply of soap and cleaning materials. In addition, each centre has posters and leaflets to inform staff and detainees about the importance of both personal hygiene and social distancing to minimise the risk from COVID-19. Detainees are also able to speak to staff directly for advice on the protective measures in place.

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