This is a joint publication between Public Health Scotland and Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection (ARHAI) Scotland, part of NHS National Services Scotland.​ ARHAI content is not made available under terms of the OGL and you should request permission to reproduce content contained in this publication.

​This guidance provides an overview of the public health measures that should be taken to prevent COVID-19 in Scottish prisons, including both residential and healthcare settings.

This guidance covers all prisons including private prisons contracted to the Scottish Prison Service (SPS). It does not extend to other places of detention, such as police custody, immigration detention centres or Children’s Secure Homes.

This guidance should be read alongside other relevant policy, guidance and legislation such as the Prison Rules and Directions (external website) and Healthcare Directions (external website).

NHS staff working within prison settings should follow the ARHAI Scotland community infection prevention and control COVID-19 pandemic appendix (external website).

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Last updated: 12 October 2022
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