ABSTRACT
By the end of February 2021, there have been around 10 detected COVID-19 infections among prisoners (0.2% of annually admitted prisoners). No COVID-19-related deaths have been reported. Changes in daily practices include the suspension of the enforcement of short-term sentences and fine default imprisonment. The overall number of incoming prisoners decreased in 2020 by 20%. The daily prison population in February 2021 remains 13% lower than a year before. Visits were largely banned and the granting of prison leave was reduced by 85%. Compensatory remedies included Skype calls, which became the central contact-device for prisoners. Work activities were revoked in open prisons. Other activities and programme work continued without major interruptions. No changes could be detected in prison order or in the number of disciplinary infractions.
