Mass drug withdrawal sends prisoner tensions through roof

Tensions inside the prison have skyrocketed amid a mass drug withdrawal among inmates.

Maryborough Correctional Centre - The high security unit.

MEASURES put in place to protect Maryborough inmates from the coronavirus pandemic are also behind rising tensions at the prison.

Prisoners have decreased access to illicit substances as a result of the restrictions that have been put in place, a spokesman from Queensland Correctional services said.

"We are aware that some of this tension is related to the decreased availability of illicit substances and we are ramping up our drug and alcohol programs to help address this," he said.

"We always work hard to prevent the of contraband into our centres and our officers are well aware that present circumstances mean that other avenues many be tried to get contraband into centres at this time.

 

No visitors are allowed and incoming inmates at Maryborough Correctional Centre have to be isolated for 14 days.

"The centre has implemented a schedule of welfare checks conducted by counsellors and psychiatrists who are providing what support they can for those in isolation," the spokesman said,

While the spokesman was unable to provide information regarding the number of tests that had been carried out at the Maryborough prison, he could confirm inmates were tested as required in line with community protocols for testing.

"Statewide, six corrective services officers have tested positive to COVID-19

"None of these were from Maryborough Correctional Centre. There have been no prisoners test positive for COVID-19."

The spokesman said daily temperature checks were being carried out

As with the rest of society, physical distancing measures are in place at the prison.

"Correctional centres are by their nature controlled environments, so our focus at this time is to implement robust and appropriate measures to prevent the virus entering our centres," he said.

"Contingency plans are also in place at each centre to enable isolation of any prisoners who are showing symptoms or have been tested for COVID-19.

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