Stewart, A., Cossar, R., &amp; Stoové, M. (2020). The response to COVID-19 in prisons must consider the broader mental health impacts for people in prison. Australian &amp; New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 000486742093780. http://doi:10.1177/0004867420937806

The response to COVID-19 in prisons must consider the broader mental health impacts for people in prison

The New Zealand College of Psychiatrists warn that the psychological effects of maintaining social distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19 in prisons can be as damaging as solitary confinement. Prisoners are a highly vulnerable group in regards to developing issues surrounding mental health and the risk of furthering those underlying issues through social distancing Is very high. 

University of California, Davis

Individuals who have been incarcerated are a vulnerable group in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only are they already isolated from the general population, but the rise of the pandemic has influenced a reduction in social interaction between inmates which poses as a threat for their mental health.

Psychological Effect of COVID-19 on Prisoners

Prison visits from family and loved ones are often what keep inmates connected to a world outside of jail. With the COVID-19 pandemic worsening, prison visits have been temporarily suspended in an attempt to curb transmission of the virus. Inmates therefore may feel even more socially isolated and research has shown that the loss of visits has led to an increase in distress and risk of self harm. 

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