A man in a short-sleeved white shirt and tie. It is superimposed on an image of Guernsey Prison.
“We are currently operating as normal but with some additional precautionary measures,” said John De Carteret.

“In general terms, we have throughout the pandemic ensured the operation of the Prison is set up to safely deliver our services. We can adjust staff attendance in such a way that shifts of prison officers minimise contact with colleagues on other shifts when deemed necessary.

“This has been successful to date in supporting our efforts to avoid locking down the Prison, as…we don’t want prisoners confined to their cells for significant periods of time unless absolutely unavoidable.”

les Nicolles prison

Pictured: Visitors are still allowed into Les Nicolles as long as they comply with States’ guidance about wearing face coverings.

Some precautionary measures are in place after two members of staff tested positive for covid-19.

“These include all visitors being required to wear face coverings, in line with other States of Guernsey services, and our staff are currently taking lateral flow tests for a 10-day period after a couple of cases were confirmed in staff who have minimal contact with prisoners,” said Mr De Carteret.

The measures are similar to those adopted when the first cases of covid-19 were recorded in the island early in 2020.

According to the Prison’s latest annual report, even at the height of the pandemic in 2020 the Prison made only slight adjustments to its operations.