Coronavirus (Covid-19)
HMP Addiewell – Website Homepage – updated Thursday 27 May
As restrictions continue to ease throughout Scotland, we’re delighted to announce that from Monday 31 May, we can relax a further restrictions in relation to social visits – we’ll be able to allow a maximum of 3 visitors per visit, including children, from 2 households.
We’re doing everything we can to make the visit process as straightforward as possible. However, visits will continue to be a little different with all other safeguards and measures remaining in place at the moment. Please be assured our key consideration is always, and will always be, to keep you, your loved one and our staff safe during your visit.
Below is a reminder of the important points that you need to be aware of – please make sure that you read these carefully so that you know what to expect when you come to the prison.
Please note: Any plans may be subject to change, at any time, depending on local or national circumstances.
Guidelines for those visiting during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Visits must be booked by residents using our internal booking procedure – they will be provided with a selection of visit dates and times to choose from.
- We can only allow a maximum of 3 visitors per visit, including children. From Monday 31 May, vistors can attend from two households.
- When you arrive, all visitors (adults and children) will have their temperature taken using a non-contact thermometer. This is to make sure that we minimise the risk to our residents from anyone potentially coming into the prison with any Covid-19 symptoms.
- You will be required to wear a face mask from the time you arrive at the prison, throughout the duration of the visit and until you exit the building. Face masks will be provided to all visitors. The exception to this is children under the age of five.
- All visitors (aged 12 and over) will need to adhere to the 2 metre physical distancing guidance. This means between you and your loved one and also between you and any other individuals accompanying you but who are not part of your family unit.
- You will not be permitted to have any physical contact with the resident you are visiting – that includes hugging, kissing, shaking hands and so on. The only exception to this rule is for children under 12 – they do not need to physically distance with anyone at the table, including the resident. We know this will be very hard, but we must obey the government guidance to keep both you and your loved ones safe.
- All visitors will need to remain seated during their visit, including children. Please bear this in mind when planning a visit to the prison.
- There is no waiting area available in the visits centre. Please arrive 20 minutes ahead of your scheduled visit.
Full details of what to expect are available on our 'Visiting the prison' page.
We also continue to provide residents with access to virtual visits – these have been a great success and will continue. I would encourage you to make use of the virtual visit technology.
I hope that you understand that all of the measures that remain in place are to keep everyone safe and healthy. Thank you again for your support and patience throughout the pandemic.
John Joyce
Deputy Director
