There are more than 20 COVID cases in Vic prisons right now, including 11 young ppl in Parkville. The reality is restrictions + lock downs will always be harder for those in prison and will last longer than any community response. “Protection” in the form of further punishment.

It is evident that Corrections cannot keep COVID out, even with tough restrictions in place. The safest option to prevent mass outbreak is to release people now before it is too late #cleanoutprisons

We must be vigilant of the way prisons handle COVID and that impact. All programs, education has been put on hold. In person family visits, appointments with support services stopped. Kids not knowing when they can hug their parents again.

The mental and emotional toll is massive, compounded by the fear of an outbreak and what the response would even be by a system with inadequate and substandard health services at the best of times.

We must not forget about those inside - this is life and death. We must keep fighting to #CleanOutPrisons and hold all governments accountable every step of the way.