Personal visits to prisons begin from 10 July

From July 10, personal visits to prisons will be re-introduced in correctional centres across Queensland.

Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, there will be some changes.

Visits will look different than prior to the pandemic with mandatory health and safety measures in place for visitors, including:

• health screening and temperature checks upon arrival
• handwashing and sanitising upon arrival and departure
• no physical contact between visitors and prisoners.

Social distancing measures mean each prisoner will only be allowed one visit each week with one adult visitor for an hour. Alternatively, a prisoner may have one 30-minute virtual personal visit per week to help ensure prisoners can have the opportunity to stay in touch with their loved ones.

Commissioner Peter Martin APM said the reintroduction of personal visits to prisons was good news for families and friends with loved ones in prison.

“We understand that personal connection contributes greatly to a prisoner’s health and wellbeing and is an important step in the rehabilitation process,” said Commissioner Martin.

“This has been a challenging time for everyone, and I would like to thank you for your patience and support during this unprecedented event.”

Visitors who feel unwell are asked not to attend.

Commissioner Martin said the restrictions were vital to keeping the prisons virus free.

A range of new ways to help loved ones stay in touch have recently been introduced, including sending prisoner emails and voicemails.

More information on virtual personal visits can be found here.

Bookings for visits will be taken from Monday July 6.