Prison managers have considered setting up ”field hospitals” at Wymott jail, Lancashire, to help deal with Coronavirus. The number of prisoners who’ve tested positive has risen to 73, across 27 jails in England and Wales, with a further 1200 in self-isolation. 3 have died

An internal memo says officials have asked whether it’s “feasible” for temporary medical units to be put in place at Wymott, in Leyland, which holds over 1000 men, many of whom are sex offenders.

Plans to use military to escort prisoners & carry out “bed watches” - guarding sick inmates in hospital - have also been explored - but apparently rejected cos they’d involve too much contact between military and prisoners. Other options involving armed forces are being looked at

Almost 8,000 staff in adult jails in England/Wales - a-quarter of total - were absent from work yesterday - self-isolating or with symptoms. 15 staff are confirmed to have the disease. A handful are in a serious condition.

In a rare move, Howard League & Prison Reform Trust have issued a joint call for Govt to release prisoners “immediately” to protect inmates, staff and communities from the virus. They say failure to do so could lead to a loss of life on an “unprecedented scale”.

My sense is there may be a blockage somewhere to releasing prisoners.. lots of discussion between Ministry of Justice and Downing Street on this one, I reckon.