All visits to prisons in South East Queensland have been cancelled until further notice following new concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) said this meant all prisons from Maryborough south to the border and west to Gatton were not accepting visits.
“Only essential workers will have access to the centres after a medical screening and masks will be worn,” QCS said.
“These restrictions will be revisited as soon as Queensland Health advises it is safe to do so.”
It said visits could still be made to facilities at Capricornia, Townsville and Lotus Glen, “but anyone who has been in South-East Queensland in the past two weeks is urged to not attend these centres”.
“We acknowledge the impact of these cancellations on prisoners and their families, and we appreciate your patience,” QCS said.
“Virtual personal visits, prisoner email, phone and mail are available to help families keep in touch,” it said.
“All prisoners in Queensland prisons have been offered COVID-19 vaccinations, with a very high uptake.”
QCS said that, as of 31 August, Queensland Health had administered 7,819 COVID-19 vaccine doses to prisoners across the 14 prisons in the State.
“Of these 14 prisons, eight have completed the initial phase of the vaccination program (offering two doses for existing prisoners) and have moved to offering vaccinations to new receptions and any existing prisoners who initially chose not to be vaccinated,” it said.
“We encourage family members to get vaccinated as soon as they can if they haven’t already done so, as vaccinations will play an important role in keeping our centres COVID-free and preventing future lockdowns,” QCS said.
