Ti Lamusse
[FYI request #16987 email] Tēnā koe Ti Lamusse
I refer to your email of 1 October 2021, requesting all advice provided to me about the
management of COVID-19 in prisons. Your request has been considered in accordance with
the provisions of the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA).
As the Minister of Corrections, my top priority is safety – of the public, Corrections’ staff, visitors
to Corrections’ sites and the people Corrections manages. As we have seen in prisons
internationally, the impact can be devastating. Corrections has a duty of care to the men and
women in prisons, and to staff, and are well prepared for any risk of COVID-19 entering a
prison. Since March 2020, Corrections has put in place extensive plans to manage any risk to
their staff or the people they manage, including robust infection prevention and control plans
at all Alert Levels. As at 25 November 2021, there have been no cases of COVID-19 in prisons
with known transmission between staff or prisoners.
You requested:
all advice given to the Minister about the management of COVID-19 in New Zealand
prisons
As my office advised on 22 October 2021, your request was extended in accordance with
section 15 (1)(A) of the OIA.
I have interpreted your request as briefings and advice I have received from Corrections
officials. As you have not specified a time period for your request, I am providing you with
information for the period of 1 March 2020 – 1 October 2021.
I receive regular updates and advice from my officials at Corrections. As you will appreciate,
much of this advice has related to some degree to the impact of COVID-19 on Corrections’
operations. To respond to your request, I have identified documents specifically regarding
COVID-19 in prisons.
Attached are the documents considered within scope of your request, received by my office
between the dates specified above. The information enclosed includes updates on the
management of COVID-19 in prison and statistics and updates received via my Weekly
Report. You will note that I received figures fortnightly from 11 June 2020, and figures on a
case by case basis for the months prior. The following briefings/Aides Memoire are also
attached:
-
B4132 - Aide Memoire: Update on Corrections’ COVID-19 Vaccination Planning
-
B4177 - Aide Memoire: COVID-19 vaccine sequencing framework
-
B4051 - Aide Memoire: Response to changes in COVID-19 Alert Levels
Some information is withheld under section 9(2)(a) of the OIA, to protect the privacy of natural
persons; and section 9(2)(g)(i) of the OIA, to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs
through the free and frank expression of opinions by or between or to Ministers of the Crown
or members of an organisation or officers and employees of any public service agency or
organisation in the course of their duty. I do not believe there are any considerations under
section 9(1) of the OIA rendering it desirable in the public interest to make the information
available which outweigh the reasons for withholding. Information is also withheld from the
documents enclosed as it is outside of the scope of your request.
A large number of documents I have received regarding this matter are also publicly available
at https://covid19.govt.nz/about-our-covid-19-response/proactive-releases/alert-levels-
and-restrictions/.
Consequently, your request is refused in part under section 18(d) of the OIA, as the
information requested is publicly available.
The proactively released Ministry of Health Cabinet Papers that were emailed to me by
Corrections can also be found at
https://www.health.govt.nz/about-ministry/information-
releases/release-ministerial-decision-making-documents/covid-19-immunisation-programme-
cabinet-papers-and-minutes.
As you may be aware, COVID-19 vaccination numbers for Corrections staff and prisoners are
publicly available on Corrections’ website. This information, broken down by prison and
updated on a weekly basis, and is available at
https://www.corrections.govt.nz/news/
corrections_covid-19_update/vaccination_update.
I trust the information provided is of assistance. If you have any concerns with this response
you may raise them with the Office of the Ombudsman. Contact details are: Office of the
Ombudsman, PO Box 10152, Wellington 6143.
Nāku noa, nā
Hon Kelvin Davis
Minister of Corrections
COVID-19 Key Stats and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 4 June 2020.
COVID-19 Key Stats
Metric
± Since Last Reported
Total
Self Isolation
-3
85
Awaiting Testing
0
19
afft
S
Negative Test
2
209
Positive Test
0
3
Negative Screen
305
3941
er
Awaiting Testing
10
22
sonir
Negative Test
10
216
P
Positive Test
0
1
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
Positive
Negative Negative
Swab
Awaiting
Screen
Test
Result
Refused Testing
Total
Arohata Prison
62
9
71
Auckland Prison
118
118
Auckland Region Women’s
259
26
1
5
291
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Correctional
132
2
134
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
350
7
357
Christchurch Women’s Prison
49
2
3
54
Hawkes Bay Regional Prison
209
28
3
240
Invercargill Prison
59
5
64
Manawatu Prison
126
1
1
1
129
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
936
65
1
5
1007
Northland Region Corrections
316
2
318
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
89
9
98
Rimutaka Prison
293
21
1
5
320
Rolleston Prison
21
1
22
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
330
22
3
355
Tongariro Prison
42
42
Waikeria Prison
401
5
2
408
Whanganui Prison
149
11
160
Total
3941
216
1
8
22
4188
Notes:
Page 4 of 12
Weekly Report 4 June 2020 In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
COVID-19 Key Stats and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 11 June 2020.
COVID-19 Key Stats
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self Isolation
74
-11
Awaiting Testing
11
-8
afft
S
Negative Test
220
11
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
4255
314
er
Awaiting Testing
6
-16
sonir
Negative Test
244
28
P
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
Positive
Negative Negative
Swab
Awaiting
Screen
Test
Result
Refused Testing
Total
Arohata Prison
69
10
79
Auckland Prison
129
129
Auckland Region Women’s
Corrections Facility
289
33
1
323
Auckland South Corrections
Facility
143
2
145
Christchurch Men’s Prison
370
7
377
Christchurch Women’s Prison
53
5
58
Hawkes Bay Regional Prison
227
30
3
2
262
Invercargill Prison
62
5
67
Manawatu Prison
142
2
1
145
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
1009
68
1
2
1080
Northland Region Corrections
Facility
341
2
343
Otago Corrections Facility
94
9
103
Rimutaka Prison
307
28
1
2
338
Rolleston Prison
24
1
25
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
351
24
375
Tongariro Prison
48
1
49
Waikeria Prison
441
5
2
448
Whanganui Prison
156
12
168
Total
4255
244
1
8
6
4514
Notes:
Page 6 of 16
Weekly Report 11 June 2020 In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
COVID-19 Key Stats and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 25 June 2020.
COVID-19 Key Stats
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self Isolation
77
3
Awaiting Testing
9
-2
afft
S
Negative Test
232
12
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
4798
543
er
Awaiting Testing
11
5
sonir
Negative Test
291
47
P
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
Positive
Negative Negative
Swab
Awaiting
Screen
Test
Result
Refused Testing
Total
Arohata Prison
136
136
Auckland Prison
77
12
87
Auckland Region Women’s
Corrections Facility
360
39
1
4
387
Auckland South Corrections
Facility
149
3
150
Christchurch Men’s Prison
399
10
405
Christchurch Women’s Prison
62
7
68
Hawkes Bay Regional Prison
268
35
3
1
296
Invercargill Prison
72
7
74
Manawatu Prison
160
2
1
162
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
1155
79
1
2
1212
Northland Region Corrections
Facility
395
4
396
Otago Corrections Facility
105
12
112
Rimutaka Prison
337
34
1
2
367
Rolleston Prison
27
1
1
29
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
403
25
417
Tongariro Prison
53
3
54
Waikeria Prison
460
7
2
467
Whanganui Prison
185
11
1
193
Total
4798
291
1
8
11
5007
Notes:
Page 5 of 15
Weekly Report 25 June 2020 In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
COVID-19 Key Stats and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 8 July 2020.
COVID-19 Key Stats
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self Isolation
77
0
Awaiting Testing
12
3
Staff
Negative Test
238
6
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
5255
457
Awaiting Testing
17
6
Negative Test
334
43
Prisoner
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
Positive
Negative Negative
Swab
Awaiting
Screen
Test
Result
Refused Testing
Total
Arohata Prison
157
157
Auckland Prison
87
14
99
Auckland Region Women’s
Corrections Facility
396
41
1
3
420
Auckland South Corrections
Facility
162
4
163
Christchurch Men’s Prison
437
10
1
444
Christchurch Women’s Prison
67
7
73
Hawkes Bay Regional Prison
307
40
3
2
338
Invercargill Prison
80
7
1
83
Manawatu Prison
166
1
1
168
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
1256
83
1
2
1314
Northland Region Corrections
Facility
434
6
437
Otago Corrections Facility
108
12
1
116
Rimutaka Prison
362
53
1
2
407
Rolleston Prison
32
1
33
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
441
26
1
456
Tongariro Prison
62
4
64
Waikeria Prison
508
14
2
2
520
Whanganui Prison
199
11
2
208
Total
5255
334
1
8
17
5494
Notes:
Page 5 of 14
Weekly Report 9 July 2020 In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
COVID-19 Key Stats and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 22 July 2020.
COVID-19 Key Stats
± Since Last
Metric
Total
Reported
Self Isolation
58
-19
Awaiting Testing
6
-6
Staff
Negative Test
245
7
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
5704
449
Awaiting Testing
19
2
Negative Test
281
-53
Prisoner
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
Positive
Negative Negative
Swab
Awaiting
Screen
Test
Result
Refused Testing
Total
Arohata Prison
167
1
168
Auckland Prison
92
12
104
Auckland Region Women’s
Corrections Facility
443
28
1
1
473
Auckland South Corrections
Facility
186
2
188
Christchurch Men’s Prison
444
8
452
Christchurch Women’s Prison
75
6
81
Hawkes Bay Regional Prison
321
43
3
3
370
Invercargill Prison
88
5
93
Manawatu Prison
170
1
1
172
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
1413
63
1
6
1483
Northland Region Corrections
Facility
460
3
1
464
Otago Corrections Facility
111
8
119
Rimutaka Prison
395
50
1
5
451
Rolleston Prison
34
1
35
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
469
28
2
499
Tongariro Prison
66
2
68
Waikeria Prison
558
10
2
570
Whanganui Prison
212
10
1
223
Total
5704
281
1
8
19
6013
Notes:
Page 4 of 13
Weekly Report 23 July 2020 In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
COVID-19 Key Stats and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 4 August 2020.
COVID-19 Key Stats
± Since Last
Metric
Total
Reported
Self Isolation
59
1
ff
Awaiting Testing
6
0
ta
S
Negative Test
247
2
Positive Test
3
0
r
Negative Screen
7,657
1,953
Awaiting Testing
11
-8
one
s
ri
Negative Test
374
93
P
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
Positive
Negative Negative
Swab
Awaiting
Screen
Test
Result
Refused
Testing
Total
Auckland Prison
275
5
280
Arohata Prison
124
16
140
Auckland Region Women’s
Corrections Facility
710
47
1
1
759
Auckland South Corrections
Facility
293
8
301
Christchurch Men’s Prison
503
10
513
Christchurch Women’s
Prison
81
7
88
Hawkes Bay Regional Prison
421
44
3
1
469
Invercargill Prison
114
8
122
Manawatu Prison
221
3
224
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
1859
83
1
5
1948
Northland Region
Corrections
Facility
684
6
690
Otago Corrections Facility
144
14
1
159
Rimutaka Prison
547
60
1
1
609
Rolleston Prison
36
1
37
Spring Hill Corrections
Facility
612
32
2
646
Tongariro Prison
88
5
93
Waikeria Prison
668
15
2
685
Whanganui Prison
277
10
287
Total
7,657
374
1
7
11
8,050
Notes:
Page 6 of 16
Weekly Report 6 August 2020 In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
Corrections Portfolio – Hōkai Rangi
This section updates you on areas of importance within the Corrections portfolio.
COVID-19 Response - Domestic visits
Following the recent move to COVID-19 Alert Level 3 in the Auckland region and Alert Level
2 for the rest of New Zealand, we temporarily suspended in-person visits to all prisons for the
weekend of 15/16 August. This decision was not made lightly and was based on the need to
prioritise the safety and wellbeing of the men and women we manage.
The visits that were planned for that weekend were planned and booked under Alert Level 1,
when there was no requirement for physical distancing. Due to the change in Alert Levels we
needed to ensure that physical distancing could be maintained. If visits had gone ahead, we
would have had to significantly reduce visitor numbers to ensure that safe physical distancing
could be maintained. This would have meant choosing only a small number of prisoners to
have visits. In addition, we wanted to provide certainty to prisoners and visitors ahead of their
travel to our sites.
As per Alert Level 2 guidelines, we have recommenced visits this week for prisons outside the
Auckland region. The visits are being supported by the use of PPE and visitors will also be
physically distanced.
Outside of Scope
Notes:
Page 3 of 15
Weekly Report 20 August 2020 In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
Outside of Scope
COVID-19 testing of staff
Staff in receiving offices in prisons do not receive routine COVID-19 tests. In line with the
recommendations of the Ministry of Health in relation to testing, Corrections staff with COVID-
19 symptoms encouraged to seek advice from their doctor or Healthline to determine whether
they require a COVID-19 test. Staff who are offered a test are encouraged to take it. If
Corrections staff are identified as close contacts of a confirmed case of COVID-19 they will be
tested and remain in self-isolation for 14 days. Any staff who are offered a test are encouraged
to take a test.
All our staff working in prison receiving offices who are working with new people coming into
prison wear masks, gloves and goggles during their interactions. If someone is symptomatic
on arrival or suspected/confirmed positive, staff also wear full gowns/aprons as well. The
prisoner will then be isolated or quarantined and tested if a test has not already been taken.
We are using Thermal Cameras on entry to prison for all staff and visitors, and in receiving
offices for prisoners. These arrangements were in place prior to the COVID-19 resurgence.
Social distancing Community Work for New Zealand (excluding Auckland Districts)
Corrections recommenced safe, socially distanced community work from 17 August 2020. No
more than four people are permitted in a van at a time, and appropriate PPE must be worn
during travel, while ensuring social distancing is in place throughout activities. Teams have
been keen to get community work back and running, and we are conscious of the need to
provide people with options to undertake their hours, with activities that are appropriate in an
Alert Level 2 environment.
Notes:
Page 4 of 15
Weekly Report 20 August 2020 In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
COVID-19 Key Stats and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 19 August 2020.
COVID-19 Key Stats
(18 March 2019 – 17 August 2020)
Metric
Total1
± Since Last Reported
Self Isolation
50
5
Awaiting Testing
38
4
Staff
Negative Test
308
8
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
8,467
109
Awaiting Testing
30
-5
Negative Test
481
23
Prisoner
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2019 – 17 August 2020)
Positive
Negative
Negative Swab
Awaiting
Screen
Test
Result
Refused Testing
Total
Auckland Prison
297
5
0
0
1
303
Arohata Prison
139
23
0
0
1
163
Auckland Region Women’s
800
56
1
0
6
863
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections
314
9
0
0
0
323
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
575
10
0
0
0
585
Christchurch Women’s Prison
95
7
0
0
1
103
Hawkes Bay Regional Prison
456
46
0
3
2
507
Invercargill Prison
126
8
0
0
0
134
Manawatu Prison
231
4
0
0
2
237
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
2075
136
0
1
2
2214
Northland Region Corrections
727
6
0
0
1
734
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
161
18
0
0
3
182
Rimutaka Prison
579
68
0
1
1
649
Rolleston Prison
46
1
0
0
1
48
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
754
44
0
0
1
799
Tongariro Prison
96
5
0
0
0
101
Waikeria Prison
699
23
0
2
6
730
Whanganui Prison
297
12
0
1
2
312
Total
8,467
481
1
8
30
8,987
1 COVID-19 reporting is now undertaken daily. The figures in the ‘since last reported’ column are
calculated in comparison to the previous working days’ statistics.
Notes:
Page 6 of 15
Weekly Report 20 August 2020 In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
Corrections Portfolio – Hōkai Rangi
This section updates you on areas of importance within the Corrections portfolio.
Outside of Scope
COVID-19: A two-tiered approach to prevention
Corrections is aware that our prison population is vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic, as
many of the people we manage fall within a high-risk category. This includes Māori, Pasifika,
older people, and individuals with chronic illnesses who are more vulnerable to COVID-19
infections and fatalities.
We are continually learning and adapting new approaches as COVID-19 Alert Levels change.
This informs the preventative measures we take, always erring on the side of caution to ensure
the prison population is well protected and managed. As a result, we have adopted a two-
tiered approach to ensure the risk to people under our management is minimised, while still
being reasonably practicable.
We have strengthened our screening and protocols for staff, visitors and the people under our
management. Improved infection control practices and strict PPE guidance has been
implemented. We have also tailored an evidence-based scoring tool that allows us to identify
those within our prison population who are at a high-risk of severe infection. Prison health staff
and Prison Directors have put plans in place to further shield and protect these high-risk
individuals when a prison is operating at Alert Level 3 or 4.
Notes:
Page 3 of 14
Weekly Report 3 September 2020 In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
COVID-19 Key Stats and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 2 September 2020.
COVID-19 Key Stats
(18- March 2019 - 2 September 2020)
Metric
Total1
± Since Last Reported1
Self Isolation
48
-16
Awaiting Testing
26
-8
Staff
Negative Test
414
14
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
9,321
120
Awaiting Testing
18
5
Negative Test
576
17
Prisoner
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2019 – 2 September 2020)
Positive
Negative Negative
Swab
Awaiting
Prison
Screen
Test
Result
Refused Testing
Total
Auckland Prison
330
5
0
0
0
335
Arohata Prison
147
24
0
0
1
172
Auckland Region Women’s
861
67
1
0
1
Corrections Facility
930
Auckland South Corrections
366
11
0
0
1
Facility
378
Christchurch Men’s Prison
631
10
0
0
641
Christchurch Women’s Prison
103
10
0
0
1
114
Hawkes Bay Regional Prison
496
52
0
3
1
552
Invercargill Prison
148
8
0
0
0
156
Manawatu Prison
246
7
0
0
3
256
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
2,239
166
0
1
4
2,410
Northland Region Corrections
755
9
0
0
0
Facility
764
Otago Corrections Facility
184
22
0
0
0
206
Rimutaka Prison
663
72
0
2
3
740
Rolleston Prison
56
2
0
0
0
58
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
863
52
0
0
2
917
Tongariro Prison
93
4
0
0
0
97
Waikeria Prison
801
39
0
2
1
843
Whanganui Prison
339
16
0
1
0
356
Total
9,321
576
1
9
18
9,925
1 COVID-19 reporting is now undertaken daily. The figures in the ‘since last reported’ column are
calculated in comparison to the previous working days’ statistics.
Notes:
Page 6 of 14
Weekly Report 3 September 2020 In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
COVID-19 Key Stats and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 16 September 2020.
COVID-19 Key Stats
(18- March 2019 - 16 September 2020)
Metric
Total1
± Since Last Reported1
Self-Isolation
68
29
Awaiting Testing
18
2
Staff
Negative Test
463
30
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
10,246
687
Awaiting Testing
39
-4
Negative Test
637
42
Prisoner
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2019 – 16 September 2020)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Swab
Awaiting
Prison
Screen
Test
Result
Refused Testing
Total
Auckland Prison
370
6
0
0
0
376
Arohata Prison
159
24
0
0
0
183
Auckland Region Women’s
Corrections Facility
922
70
1
0
15
1,008
Auckland South Corrections
Facility
404
13
0
0
0
417
Christchurch Men’s Prison
677
11
0
0
0
688
Christchurch Women’s Prison
109
13
0
0
1
123
Hawkes Bay Regional Prison
540
60
0
3
3
606
Invercargill Prison
165
8
0
0
0
173
Manawatu Prison
265
7
0
0
4
276
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
2,473
194
0
1
2
2,670
Northland Region Corrections
Facility
828
12
0
0
0
840
Otago Corrections Facility
206
21
0
0
0
227
Rimutaka Prison
696
75
0
2
5
778
Rolleston Prison
55
3
0
0
1
59
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
987
57
0
0
2
1,046
Tongariro Prison
126
4
0
0
0
130
Waikeria Prison
914
43
0
3
6
966
Whanganui Prison
350
16
0
1
0
367
Total
10,246
637
1
10
39
10,933
1 COVID-19 reporting is now undertaken daily. The figures in the ‘since last reported’ column are
calculated in comparison to the previous working days’ statistics.
Notes:
Page 6 of 15
Weekly Report 17 September 2020 In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
COVID-19 Key Stats and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 30 September 2020.
COVID-19 Key Stats
(18- March 2019 - 30 September 2020)
Metric
Total1
± Since Last Reported1
Self-Isolation
36
-28
Awaiting Testing
5
-2
Staff
Negative Test
494
12
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
11,124
422
Awaiting Testing
30
-7
Negative Test
675
19
Prisoner
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2019 – 30 September 2020)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Swab
Awaiting
Prison
Screen
Test
Result
Refused Testing
Total
Auckland Prison
412
7
0
0
0
419
Arohata Prison
183
24
0
0
0
207
Auckland Region Women’s
Corrections Facility
1,022
72
1
0
6
1,101
Auckland South Corrections
Facility
432
15
0
0
0
447
Christchurch Men’s Prison
730
15
0
0
1
746
Christchurch Women’s Prison
118
13
0
0
0
131
Hawkes Bay Regional Prison
589
58
0
3
5
655
Invercargill Prison
184
9
0
0
0
193
Manawatu Prison
294
9
0
0
0
303
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
2,720
209
0
1
6
2,936
Northland Region Corrections
Facility
894
12
0
0
1
907
Otago Corrections Facility
207
20
0
0
0
227
Rimutaka Prison
735
83
0
1
7
826
Rolleston Prison
56
3
0
0
0
59
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
1,059
58
0
0
0
1,117
Tongariro Prison
131
4
0
0
0
135
Waikeria Prison
979
49
0
3
2
1,033
Whanganui Prison
379
15
0
1
2
397
Total
11,124
675
1
9
30
11,839
1 COVID-19 reporting is now undertaken daily. The figures in the ‘since last reported’ column are
calculated in comparison to the previous working days’ statistics.
Notes:
Page 7 of 15
Weekly Report 1 October 2020 In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
COVID-19 Key Stats and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 14 October 2020.
COVID-19 Key Stats
(18- March 2019 – 14 October 2020)
Metric
Total1
± Since Last Reported1
Self-Isolation
39
0
Awaiting Testing
5
-1
Staff
Negative Test
512
4
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
11,780
226
Awaiting Testing
40
11
Negative Test
853
103
Prisoner
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2019 – 14 October 2020)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Awaiting
Swab
Refused
Total
Screen
Test
Testing
Prison
Result
Auckland Prison
445
8
0
0
0
453
Arohata Prison
193
32
0
2
1
228
Auckland Region Women’s
1,071
133
1
0
0
Corrections Facility
1,205
Auckland South Corrections
470
15
0
0
12
Facility
497
Christchurch Men’s Prison
773
15
0
0
1
789
Christchurch Women’s Prison
124
13
0
0
1
138
Hawkes Bay Regional Prison
616
75
0
3
1
695
Invercargill Prison
193
9
0
0
2
204
Manawatu Prison
314
22
0
0
2
338
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
2,975
235
0
2
2
3,214
Northland Region Corrections
916
12
0
0
0
Facility
928
Otago Corrections Facility
216
21
0
1
1
239
Rimutaka Prison
750
118
0
1
2
871
Rolleston Prison
61
3
0
0
1
65
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
1,096
56
0
0
3
1,155
Tongariro Prison
137
4
0
0
2
143
Waikeria Prison
1,039
49
0
3
9
1,100
Whanganui Prison
391
33
0
1
0
425
Total
11,780
853
1
13
40
12,687
1 COVID-19 reporting is now undertaken daily. The figures in the ‘since last reported’ column are
calculated in comparison to the previous working days’ statistics.
Notes:
Page 5 of 12
Weekly Report 15 October 2020 In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
COVID-19 Key Stats and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 28 October 2020.
COVID-19 Key Stats
(18- March 2019 – 28 October 2020)
Metric
Total1
± Since Last Reported1
Self-Isolation
15
0
Awaiting Testing
10
3
Staff
Negative Test
515
0
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
12,882
466
Awaiting Testing
45
0
Negative Test
908
36
Prisoner
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2019 – 28 October 2020)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Swab
Awaiting
Prison
Screen
Test
Result
Refused Testing
Total
Auckland Prison
483
8
0
0
1
492
Arohata Prison
200
33
0
0
1
234
Auckland Region Women’s
1,147
138
1
0
13
1,299
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections
560
17
0
0
5
582
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
842
16
0
0
0
858
Christchurch Women’s Prison
143
17
0
0
1
161
Hawkes Bay Regional Prison
683
73
0
2
4
762
Invercargill Prison
205
8
0
1
0
214
Manawatu Prison
344
26
0
1
0
371
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
3,284
257
0
1
4
3,546
Northland Region Corrections
957
13
0
0
1
971
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
240
23
0
0
4
267
Rimutaka Prison
827
127
0
1
1
956
Rolleston Prison
64
3
0
0
1
68
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
1,164
60
0
0
3
1,227
Tongariro Prison
159
4
0
0
0
163
Waikeria Prison
1,160
51
0
3
6
1,220
Whanganui Prison
420
34
0
1
0
455
Total
12,882
908
1
10
45
13,846
1 COVID-19 reporting is now undertaken daily. The figures in the ‘since last reported’ column are
calculated in comparison to the previous working days’ statistics.
Notes:
Page 5 of 12
Weekly Report 29 October 2020 In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
COVID-19 Key Stats and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 11 November 2020.
COVID-19 Key Stats
(18- March 2019 – 11 November 2020)
Metric
Total1
± Since Last Reported1
Self-Isolation
22
6
Awaiting Testing
13
4
Staff
Negative Test
520
5
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
13,503
388
Awaiting Testing
31
21
Negative Test
944
-41
Prisoner
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2019 – 11 November 2020)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Swab
Awaiting
Prison
Screen
Test
Result
Refused Testing
Total
Auckland Prison
497
11
0
1
1
510
Arohata Prison
209
34
0
0
0
243
Auckland Region Women’s
1,202
138
1
0
1
1,342
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections
625
19
0
0
1
645
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
888
15
0
0
0
903
Christchurch Women’s Prison
149
17
0
0
0
166
Hawkes Bay Regional Prison
732
76
0
2
2
812
Invercargill Prison
219
8
0
1
0
228
Manawatu Prison
348
28
0
1
0
377
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
3,431
275
0
1
11
3,718
Northland Region Corrections
979
12
0
0
1
992
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
244
25
0
0
2
271
Rimutaka Prison
853
128
0
1
1
983
Rolleston Prison
71
2
0
0
1
74
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
1,218
60
0
0
3
1,281
Tongariro Prison
158
4
0
0
0
162
Waikeria Prison
1,233
55
0
3
7
1,298
Whanganui Prison
447
37
0
1
485
Total
13,503
944
1
11
31
14,490
1 COVID-19 reporting is now undertaken daily. The figures in the ‘since last reported’ column are
calculated in comparison to the previous working days’ statistics.
Notes:
Page 7 of 15
Weekly Report 12 November 2020 In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
COVID-19 Key Stats and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 25 November 2020.
COVID-19 Key Stats
(18- March 2019 – 25 November 2020)
Metric
Total1
± Since Last Reported1
Self-Isolation
28
1
Awaiting Testing
21
3
Staff
Negative Test
525
2
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
14,341
444
Awaiting Testing
39
-9
Negative Test
992
11
Prisoner
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2019 – 25 November 2020)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Swab
Awaiting
Prison
Screen
Test
Result
Refused Testing
Total
Auckland Prison
485
8
0
1
2
496
Arohata Prison
226
35
0
0
1
262
Auckland Region Women’s
1,270
138
1
0
1
1,410
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections
677
24
0
0
1
702
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
951
17
0
0
1
969
Christchurch Women’s Prison
156
18
0
0
2
176
Hawkes Bay Regional Prison
763
78
0
2
0
843
Invercargill Prison
225
11
0
1
0
237
Manawatu Prison
375
28
0
1
0
404
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
3,697
311
0
1
8
4,017
Northland Region Corrections
1,048
13
0
0
3
1,064
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
254
24
0
0
4
282
Rimutaka Prison
924
128
0
1
3
1,056
Rolleston Prison
84
2
0
0
1
87
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
1,277
57
0
0
5
1,339
Tongariro Prison
157
3
0
0
0
160
Waikeria Prison
1,320
57
0
3
7
1,387
Whanganui Prison
452
40
0
0
0
492
Total
14,341
992
1
10
39
15,383
1 COVID-19 reporting is now undertaken daily. The figures in the ‘since last reported’ column are
calculated in comparison to the previous working days’ statistics.
Notes:
Page 7 of 16
Weekly Report 26 November 2020 In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
COVID-19 Key Stats and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 9 December 2020.
COVID-19 Key Stats
(18- March 2020 – 9 December 2020)
Metric
Total1
± Since Last Reported1
Self-Isolation
27
-4
aff
Awaiting Testing
21
-2
St
Negative Test
541
11
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
15,149
808
Awaiting Testing
57
18
Negative Test
1,034
42
Prisoner
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2020 – 9 December 2020)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Swab
Awaiting
Prison
Screen
Test
Result
Refused Testing
Total
Auckland Prison
496
9
0
1
2
508
Arohata Prison
243
37
0
0
0
280
Auckland Region Women’s
1,335
140
1
0
2
1,478
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections
727
24
0
0
1
752
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
1,009
18
0
0
1
1,028
Christchurch Women’s Prison
166
18
0
0
2
186
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
811
80
0
2
0
893
Invercargill Prison
261
16
0
1
5
283
Manawatu Prison
384
29
0
1
0
414
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
3,912
316
0
1
12
4,241
Northland Region Corrections
1,095
13
0
0
3
1,111
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
263
30
0
0
6
299
Rimutaka Prison
970
135
0
1
3
1,109
Rolleston Prison
84
2
0
0
1
87
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
1,346
63
0
0
5
1,414
Tongariro Prison
177
4
0
0
0
181
Waikeria Prison
1,394
60
0
3
14
1,471
Whanganui Prison
476
40
0
1
0
517
Total
15,149
1,034
1
11
57
16,252
1 COVID-19 reporting is now undertaken daily. The figures in the ‘since last reported’ column are
calculated in comparison to the previous working days’ statistics.
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 26 January 2021. Note,
these figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker.
COVID-19 Key Statistics
(18 March 2020 – 26 January 2021)
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported1
Self-Isolation
7
-23
Awaiting Testing
3
-19
Staff
Negative Test
577
34
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
17,224
344
Awaiting Testing
6
-6
Negative Test
1,116
13
Prisoner
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2020 – 26 January 2021)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Swab
Awaiting
Prison
Screen
Test
Result
Refused
Testing
Total
Auckland Prison
614
14
0
1
1
630
Arohata Prison
279
45
0
0
0
324
Auckland Region Women’s
1,489
150
1
0
2
1,642
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections
875
27
0
0
0
902
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
1,139
18
0
0
0
1,157
Christchurch Women’s Prison
200
23
0
0
0
223
Hawkes Bay Regional Prison
956
85
0
3
0
1,044
Invercargill Prison
221
17
0
1
0
239
Manawatu Prison
403
29
0
1
0
433
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
4,390
332
0
1
1
4,724
Northland Region Corrections
1,171
13
0
0
1
1,185
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
314
31
0
1
0
346
Rimutaka Prison
1,092
150
0
8
0
1,250
Rolleston Prison
99
2
0
0
0
101
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
1,657
65
0
0
0
1,722
Tongariro Prison
208
4
0
0
0
212
Waikeria Prison
1,465
62
0
3
1
1,531
Whanganui Prison
540
42
0
1
0
583
Total
17,112
1,109
1
20
6
18,248
1 Figures are in comparison to the previous weeks data.
Weekly Report 28 January 2021 - In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
9
Corrections Portfolio – Hōkai Rangi
This section updates you on areas of importance within the Corrections portfolio.
Outside of Scope
Managing COVID-19 risks relating to returning offenders isolating in prison
Since border controls have been in place, four people have returned to New Zealand and completed isolation
at Mt Eden Corrections Facility, rather than a Managed Isolation and Quarantine Facility, due to outstanding
Police matters. One person was subject to a Returning Offender Order and three were subject to extradition.
These four individuals were isolated from other prisoners and tested for COVID-19, in line with the Ministry of
Health and Auckland Regional Public Health guidelines.
In accordance with clause 13(1)(f) of the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Isolation and Quarantine) Order
2020, the New Zealand Police and Corrections are permitted to provide alternative isolation for the purpose of
detention. Corrections has developed comprehensive, documented operating procedures for screening,
isolating and testing people entering prisons in this way.
Dr Ashley Bloomfield, the Director-General of Health has expressed interest in ensuring Corrections has
robust processes in place in these circumstances. On 2 February 2021, Ministry of Health officials advised the
Director-General of Health that with their support, Corrections has agreed to undertake a review of its COVID-
19 protocols in prisons, including the management of people who have returned from overseas and are
isolating in prison. The Ministry of Health will confirm this approach in written correspondence to Corrections’
Chief Medical Adviser, Dr Damian Tomic. We are not aware of the timeframes for the review at this stage, but
will update you on its progress.
Outside of Scope
Weekly Report 4 February 2021 - In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
4
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 9 February 2021. Note,
these figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker.
COVID-19 Key Statistics
(18 March 2020 – 9 February 2021)
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self-Isolation
5
-3
Awaiting Testing
2
-1
Staff
Negative Test
582
2
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
17,855
276
Awaiting Testing
9
-8
Negative Test
1,151
24
Prisoner
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2020 – 9 February 2021)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Swab
Awaiting
Prison
Screen
Test
Result
Refused
Testing
Total
Auckland Prison
625
14
0
1
1
641
Arohata Prison
295
46
0
0
0
341
Auckland Region Women’s
0
1,537
158
1
2
1,698
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections
0
0
904
28
0
932
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
1,187
18
0
0
1
1,206
Christchurch Women’s Prison
211
25
0
0
0
236
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
997
86
0
3
0
1,086
Invercargill Prison
232
17
0
1
0
250
Manawatu Prison
414
29
0
1
0
444
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
4,568
344
0
1
1
4,914
Northland Region Corrections
0
1,208
15
0
0
1,223
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
329
35
0
1
1
366
Rimutaka Prison
1,130
156
0
8
3
1,297
Rolleston Prison
101
2
0
0
0
103
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
1,755
65
0
0
0
1,820
Tongariro Prison
215
4
0
0
0
219
Waikeria Prison
1,468
60
0
3
0
1,531
Whanganui Prison
566
42
0
1
0
609
Total
17,742
1,144
1
20
9
18,916
Weekly Report 11 February 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
6
Corrections Portfolio – Hōkai Rangi
This section updates you on areas of importance within the Corrections portfolio. Significant improvements to COVID-19 vulnerability reporting
During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Corrections was able to identify people in prison who were
most vulnerable to COVID-19. However, this required labour intensive reporting processes when re-assessing
their COVID-19 vulnerability status. It took several people up to two weeks to ensure an individual’s
vulnerability assessment status was up to date, which required staff to review a manual chart of all people in
prison.
As a result, Corrections created a vulnerability algorithm, which was implemented in May 2020, during the first
COVID-19 lockdown. It reduced the time for COVID-19 vulnerability scoring from up to two weeks, to eight
hours.
In the week of 15 February 2021, with the re-emergence of COVID-19 in the community, the team developed
a more streamlined vulnerability reporting process that takes only two hours to perform, and includes
additional data quality checks. On 22 February 2021, the streamlined process was put into place, and
delivered a report to each prison across the country.
The improved turnaround time allows prisons to be notified faster of the people in prison who are most
vulnerable. This enables each prison to promptly isolate these individuals in the event of another lockdown.
Outside of Scope
Weekly Report 25 February 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
2
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 24 February 2021. Note,
these figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker.
COVID-19 Key Statistics
(18 March 2020 – 24 February 2021)
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self-Isolation
42
11
Awaiting Testing
12
-4
Staff
Negative Test
627
41
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
18,591
42
Awaiting Testing
6
2
Negative Test
1,173
2
Prisoner
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2020 – 24 February 2021)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Awaiting
Prison
Swab
Refused
Total
Screen
Test
Testing
Result
Auckland Prison
668
15
0
1
0
684
Arohata Prison
308
47
0
0
0
355
Auckland Region Women’s
1,577
158
1
0
0
Corrections Facility
1,736
Auckland South Corrections
929
28
0
0
0
Facility
957
Christchurch Men’s Prison
1,247
18
0
0
0
1,265
Christchurch Women’s Prison
217
25
0
0
0
242
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
1,035
88
0
3
0
1,126
Invercargill Prison
239
17
0
1
0
257
Manawatu Prison
426
31
0
1
0
458
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
4,755
346
0
1
2
5,104
Northland Region Corrections
1,237
16
0
0
0
Facility
1,253
Otago Corrections Facility
345
39
0
1
0
385
Rimutaka Prison
1,179
157
0
8
1
1,345
Rolleston Prison
103
5
0
0
0
108
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
1,868
65
0
0
0
1,933
Tongariro Prison
229
4
0
0
0
233
Waikeria Prison
1,524
60
0
3
0
1,587
Whanganui Prison
591
47
0
2
3
643
Total
18,477
1,166
1
21
6
19,671
Weekly Report 25 February 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
6
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 8 March 2021. Note, these
figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker.
COVID-19 Key Statistics
(18 March 2020 – 8 March 2021)
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self-Isolation
49
-16
Awaiting Testing
21
-11
Staff
Negative Test
683
41
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
19,308
19,054
Awaiting Testing
10
9
Negative Test
1,224
1,200
Prisoner
Positive Test
1
1
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2020 – 8 March 2021)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Awaiting
Prison
Swab
Refused
Total
Screen
Test
Testing
Result
Auckland Prison
693
15
0
1
0
709
Arohata Prison
323
50
0
0
1
374
Auckland Region Women’s
1,620
159
1
0
0
1,780
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections
971
28
0
0
0
999
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
1,307
19
0
0
0
1,326
Christchurch Women’s Prison
227
25
0
0
1
253
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
1,076
93
0
3
2
1,174
Invercargill Prison
249
20
0
1
0
270
Manawatu Prison
442
31
0
1
0
474
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
4,948
363
0
1
0
5,312
Northland Region Corrections
1,285
16
0
0
0
1,301
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
361
44
0
1
1
407
Rimutaka Prison
1,222
168
0
8
2
1,400
Rolleston Prison
104
5
0
0
0
109
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
1,969
66
0
0
1
2,036
Tongariro Prison
232
4
0
0
0
236
Waikeria Prison
1,557
62
0
3
0
1,622
Whanganui Prison
609
49
0
2
2
662
Total
19,195
1,217
1
21
10
20,444
Weekly Report 11 March 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
9
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 22 March 2021. Note, these
figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker.
COVID-19 Key Statistics
(18 March 2020 – 22 March 2021)
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self-Isolation
55
-10
Awaiting Testing
22
-10
Staff
Negative Test
717
75
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
19,752
308
Awaiting Testing
12
-2
Negative Test
1,242
11
Prisoner
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2020 – 22 March 2021)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Awaiting
Prison
Swab
Refused
Total
Screen
Test
Testing
Result
Auckland Prison
699
15
0
1
0
715
Arohata Prison
338
51
0
0
0
389
Auckland Region Women’s
1,662
158
1
0
0
1,821
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections
970
28
0
0
0
998
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
1,,346
22
0
2
0
1,370
Christchurch Women’s Prison
228
26
0
0
0
254
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
1099
95
0
3
1
1,198
Invercargill Prison
257
18
0
1
0
276
Manawatu Prison
445
31
0
1
0
477
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
5,067
367
0
1
7
5,442
Northland Region Corrections
1,298
18
0
0
0
1,316
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
383
45
0
2
0
430
Rimutaka Prison
1,257
175
0
9
1
1,442
Rolleston Prison
106
6
0
0
0
112
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
2,024
67
0
0
0
2,091
Tongariro Prison
240
4
0
0
0
244
Waikeria Prison
1,588
60
0
3
0
1,651
Whanganui Prison
630
49
0
2
3
684
Total
19,637
1,235
1
25
12
20,910
Weekly Report 25 March 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
8
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 6 April 2021. Note, these
figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker.
COVID-19 Key Statistics
(18 March 2020 – 6 April 2021)
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self-Isolation
58
6
Awaiting Testing
20
3
Staff
Negative Test
730
6
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
20,386
332
Awaiting Testing
13
10
Negative Test
1,260
9
Prisoner
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2020 – 6 April 2021)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Awaiting
Prison
Swab
Refused
Total
Screen
Test
Testing
Result
Auckland Prison
722
17
0
1
0
740
Arohata Prison
344
51
0
1
0
396
Auckland Region Women’s
1,708
159
1
0
0
1,868
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections
997
28
0
0
0
1,025
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
1,387
22
0
2
0
1,411
Christchurch Women’s Prison
235
27
0
0
0
262
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
1,151
95
0
3
1
1,250
Invercargill Prison
267
18
0
1
0
286
Manawatu Prison
459
32
0
1
0
492
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
5,272
380
0
1
8
5,661
Northland Region Corrections
1,347
18
0
0
1
1,366
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
389
44
0
2
0
435
Rimutaka Prison
1,292
177
0
9
2
1,480
Rolleston Prison
108
5
0
1
0
114
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
2,075
67
0
0
0
2,142
Tongariro Prison
251
4
0
0
0
255
Waikeria Prison
1,634
60
0
3
0
1,697
Whanganui Prison
632
49
0
2
1
684
Total
20,270
1,253
1
27
13
21,564
Weekly Report 8 April 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
10
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 19 April 2021. Note, these
figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker.
COVID-19 Key Statistics
(18 March 2020 – 19 April 2021)
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self-Isolation
65
7
Awaiting Testing
25
5
Staff
Negative Test
735
5
Positive Test
3
0
Negative Screen
20,944
320
Awaiting Testing
8
-9
Negative Test
1,287
13
Prisoner
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2020 – 19 April 2021)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Awaiting
Prison
Swab
Refused
Total
Screen
Test
Testing
Result
Auckland Prison
742
17
0
1
0
760
Arohata Prison
355
53
0
1
0
409
Auckland Region Women’s
1,756
160
1
1
0
1,918
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections
1,035
29
0
0
0
1,064
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
1,436
22
0
2
0
1,460
Christchurch Women’s Prison
244
28
0
0
1
273
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
1,178
97
0
3
1
1,279
Invercargill Prison
275
18
0
1
0
294
Manawatu Prison
468
33
0
1
0
502
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
5,390
394
0
2
2
5,788
Northland Region Corrections
1,378
19
0
0
1
1,398
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
394
43
0
2
1
440
Rimutaka Prison
1,341
180
0
11
1
1,533
Rolleston Prison
111
7
0
1
0
119
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
2,163
68
0
0
0
2,231
Tongariro Prison
259
4
0
0
0
263
Waikeria Prison
1,656
60
0
3
0
1,719
Whanganui Prison
648
48
0
2
1
699
Total
20,829
1,280
1
31
8
22,149
Weekly Report 22 April 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
8
Corrections Portfolio – Hōkai Rangi
This section updates you on areas of importance within the Corrections portfolio.
Outside of Scope
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Update on staff vaccination
Corrections has reached a milestone with our first staff COVID-19 vaccinations at several prisons. Auckland
South Corrections Facility, Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility, Whanganui Prison, and
Christchurch Men’s Prison started vaccination roll out to staff this week. This is the result of extensive
collaboration between staff across Corrections. We also worked with the Ministry of Health and the Public
Service Commission to ensure overall alignment with the Government’s approach. We have proactively
communicated benefits of vaccinations to staff, including messages around vaccine safety and effectiveness.
Information and resources from the Ministry of Health have been provided to staff.
We expect staff at all prisons to have the opportunity to receive their first injection on-site by mid-June 2021.
Corrections is working with two providers, Vitality Works and Medpro, to administer vaccines to prison-based
staff. At Whanganui Prison, the local District Health Board will administer the vaccine to staff. Corrections has
secured sufficient storage and equipment to enable a successful roll out. Prisons have also developed
contingency plans to manage any excess or leftover vaccine, which includes offering additional opportunities
for people to be vaccinated who previously declined.
Staff vaccine status disclosure
At this stage, Corrections will not ask any staff to disclose whether they have been vaccinated. However, in
future, particular roles may undertake specific work where being vaccinated will form an important part of
managing the risks of COVID-19. This may be the case at the higher Alert Levels, where the risks are more
significant. We will undertake a risk assessment with union partners to identify if any work we do falls into a
higher risk category at different Alert Levels. This risk assessment may indicate that we need to know the
vaccination status of some staff in future.
Update on prisoner vaccination
Vaccine planning for people in prison is well advanced at all sites. Due to the Government’s identification of
Counties Manukau as a high-risk area, prisoners at Auckland South Corrections Facility and Auckland Region
Women’s Corrections Facility will be offered the vaccine in late May 2021. This will take place after staff at
both sites have been given the opportunity to be vaccinated. Prisoner vaccinations at other sites will start from
June 2021 onwards. Corrections’ approach for each site is to deliver vaccinations to staff first, followed by
people in prison afterwards. This aligns with the Government’s sequencing framework, as outlined in B4117 -
Aide Memoire: COVID-19 vaccine sequencing framework. Prisoner vaccinations will be administered by
Corrections’ own clinical staff.
A communications approach to encourage vaccine uptake by people in prison is underway. This is taking the
form of easy-to-read and translated materials, videos from the Ministry of Health on Prison TV, conversations
with Custodial and Health staff, and accessible information on kiosks.
Weekly Report 6 May 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
3
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 3 May 2021. Note, these
figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker.
COVID-19 Key Statistics
(18 March 2020 – 3 May 2021)
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self-Isolation
70
2
ff
Awaiting Testing
27
0
ta
S
Negative Test
740
4
Positive Test
3
0
r
Negative Screen
21,567
240
Awaiting Testing
15
5
one
s
ri
Negative Test
1,307
5
P
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2020 – 3 May 2021)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Awaiting
Prison
Swab
Refused
Total
Screen
Test
Testing
Result
Auckland Prison
779
17
0
1
0
797
Arohata Prison
379
53
0
2
0
434
Auckland Region Women’s
1,794
162
1
1
1
1,959
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections
1,067
29
0
0
3
1,099
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
1,470
22
0
2
0
1,494
Christchurch Women’s Prison
250
30
0
0
0
280
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
1,203
96
0
3
1
1,303
Invercargill Prison
278
18
0
1
0
297
Manawatu Prison
475
33
0
2
0
510
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
5,592
399
0
2
5
5,998
Northland Region Corrections
1,403
18
0
0
1
1,422
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
405
44
0
2
0
451
Rimutaka Prison
1,394
191
0
17
2
1,604
Rolleston Prison
112
7
0
1
0
120
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
2,237
68
0
0
0
2,305
Tongariro Prison
267
4
0
0
0
271
Waikeria Prison
1,680
60
0
3
0
1,743
Whanganui Prison
665
49
0
2
2
718
Total
21,450
1,300
1
39
15
22,805
Weekly Report 6 May 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
10
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 17 May 2021. Note, these
figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker.
COVID-19 Key Statistics
(18 March 2020 – 17 May 2021)
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self-Isolation
71
4
ff
Awaiting Testing
27
1
ta
S
Negative Test
752
3
Positive Test
3
0
r
Negative Screen
22,211
355
Awaiting Testing
5
-7
one
s
ri
Negative Test
1,329
9
P
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2020 – 17 May 2021)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Awaiting
Prison
Swab
Refused
Total
Screen
Test
Testing
Result
Auckland Prison
801
17
0
1
0
819
Arohata Prison
404
55
0
2
0
461
Auckland Region Women’s
1,834
169
1
2
0
2,006
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections
1,091
32
0
0
1
1,124
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
1,525
22
0
2
0
1,549
Christchurch Women’s Prison
259
30
0
0
0
289
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
1,244
96
0
3
1
1,344
Invercargill Prison
280
18
0
1
0
299
Manawatu Prison
486
33
0
2
0
521
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
5,760
405
0
2
1
6,168
Northland Region Corrections
1,426
18
0
0
1
1,445
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
418
44
0
2
0
464
Rimutaka Prison
1,436
193
0
21
0
1,650
Rolleston Prison
112
7
0
1
0
120
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
2,317
69
0
0
0
2,386
Tongariro Prison
273
4
0
0
0
277
Waikeria Prison
1,740
60
0
3
0
1,803
Whanganui Prison
688
50
0
2
1
741
Total
22,094
1,322
1
44
5
23,466
Weekly Report 20 May 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
10
COVID-19 Dose One Vaccinations
(4 May 2021 - 20 May 2021)
Prison
Staff
Prisoner
Auckland Women's Prison
350
0
Auckland South Corrections Facility
242
399
Auckland Men’s Prison
238
0
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
414
0
Northland Region Corrections Facility
0
0
Waikeria Prison
85
0
Springhill Corrections Facility
180
0
Tongariro Prison
0
0
Whanganui Prison
173
78
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
0
0
Manawatu Prison
137
2
Arohata Prison
102
4
Rimutaka Prison
416
0
Invercargill Prison
0
0
Otago Corrections Facility
0
0
Christchurch Men's Prison
473
0
Christchurch Women's Prison
67
0
Rolleston Prison
95
0
Total
2,972
483
Note: The figures above only represent staff who have received their vaccination on site.
Weekly Report 20 May 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
11
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 31 May 2021. Note, these
figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker.
COVID-19 Key Statistics
(18 March 2020 – 31 May 2021)
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self-Isolation
27
-3
ff
Awaiting Testing
12
-2
ta
S
Negative Test
774
5
Positive Test
3
0
r
Negative Screen
22,764
323
Awaiting Testing
4
-3
one
s
ri
Negative Test
1,346
9
P
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2020 – 31 May 2021)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Awaiting
Prison
Swab
Refused
Total
Screen
Test
Testing
Result
Auckland Prison
833
19
0
1
0
853
Arohata Prison
410
57
0
2
0
469
Auckland Region Women’s
1,876
174
1
2
0
2,053
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections
1,104
33
0
0
0
1,137
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
1,556
22
0
2
0
1,580
Christchurch Women’s Prison
275
33
0
0
0
308
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
1,263
96
0
3
1
1,363
Invercargill Prison
285
18
0
1
0
304
Manawatu Prison
491
33
0
2
0
526
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
5,919
407
0
2
1
6,329
Northland Region Corrections
1,470
18
0
0
1
1,489
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
427
44
0
2
0
473
Rimutaka Prison
1,478
195
0
26
0
1,699
Rolleston Prison
127
7
0
1
0
135
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
2,387
69
0
0
0
2,456
Tongariro Prison
286
4
0
0
0
290
Waikeria Prison
1,751
60
0
3
0
1,814
Whanganui Prison
708
50
0
2
1
761
Total
22,646
1,339
1
49
4
24,039
Weekly Report 3 June 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
8
COVID-19 Dose One Vaccinations
(4 May 2021 – 1 June 2021)
Prison
Staff
Prisoner
Auckland Women's Prison
375
350
Auckland South Corrections Facility
355
862
Auckland Men’s Prison
530
568
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
635
1,128
Northland Region Corrections Facility
357
498
Waikeria Prison
536
401
Springhill Corrections Facility
492
805
Tongariro Prison
234
298
Whanganui Prison
364
389
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
474
511
Manawatu Prison
215
249
Arohata Prison
153
101
Rimutaka Prison
674
771
Invercargill Prison
130
119
Otago Corrections Facility
370
365
Christchurch Men's Prison
623
798
Christchurch Women's Prison
113
88
Rolleston Prison
211
244
Total
6,841
8,545
Note: The figures above only represent staff who have received their vaccination on site.
Weekly Report 3 June 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
9
COVID-19 Key Statistics
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 24 June 2021. Note, these
figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker.
COVID-19 Dose One Vaccinations
(4 May 2021 – 24 June 2021)
Prison
Staff
Prisoner
Auckland Region Women's Corrections Facility
354
186
Auckland South Corrections Facility
242
551
Auckland Men’s Prison
423
0
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
451
0
Northland Region Corrections Facility
125
0
Waikeria Prison
270
0
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
309
41
Tongariro Prison
120
0
Whanganui Prison
194
230
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
256
0
Manawatu Prison
137
32
Arohata Prison
102
21
Rimutaka Prison
571
0
Invercargill Prison
33
0
Otago Corrections Facility
202
0
Christchurch Men's Prison
522
0
Christchurch Women's Prison
76
51
Rolleston Prison
139
197
Total
4,526
1,318
Note: The figures above only represent staff who have received their vaccination on site.
Weekly Report 24 June 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
8
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 28 June 2021. Note, these
figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker.
COVID-19 Key Statistics
(18 March 2020 – 28 June 2021)
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self-Isolation
26
-15
ff
Awaiting Testing
10
-8
ta
S
Negative Test
807
29
Positive Test
3
0
r
Negative Screen
24,057
221
Awaiting Testing
6
-8
one
s
ri
Negative Test
1,374
14
P
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2020 – 28 June 2021)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Awaiting
Prison
Swab
Refused
Total
Screen
Test
Testing
Result
Auckland Prison
875
20
0
1
0
896
Arohata Prison
446
60
0
2
0
508
Auckland Region Women’s
1,971
176
1
2
0
2,150
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections
1,143
34
0
0
0
1,177
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
1,675
22
0
2
0
1,699
Christchurch Women’s Prison
295
35
0
0
0
330
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
1,339
98
0
3
1
1,441
Invercargill Prison
288
18
0
1
0
307
Manawatu Prison
517
34
0
3
0
554
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
6,267
409
0
2
2
6,680
Northland Region Corrections
1,574
18
0
0
1
1,593
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
450
45
0
2
0
497
Rimutaka Prison
1,556
203
0
26
0
1,785
Rolleston Prison
126
7
0
1
0
134
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
2,532
71
0
0
1
2,604
Tongariro Prison
299
4
0
0
0
303
Waikeria Prison
1,837
61
0
3
0
1,901
Whanganui Prison
750
52
0
2
1
805
Total
23,940
1,367
1
50
6
25,364
Weekly Report 1 July 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
8
COVID-19 Dose One Vaccinations
(4 May 2021 – 1 July 2021)
Prison
Staff
Prisoner
Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility
354
186
Auckland South Corrections Facility
242
551
Auckland Prison
423
0
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
451
0
Northland Region Corrections Facility
125
0
Waikeria Prison
270
0
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
309
41
Tongariro Prison
120
0
Whanganui Prison
194
230
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
256
0
Manawatu Prison
137
32
Arohata Prison
102
21
Rimutaka Prison
571
0
Invercargill Prison
33
0
Otago Corrections Facility
202
0
Christchurch Men's Prison
522
0
Christchurch Women's Prison
76
51
Rolleston Prison
139
197
Total
4,526
1,318
Notes:
-
The figures above only represent staff who have received their vaccination on site.
-
On 11 June 2021, the Ministry of Health announced a slow down to the roll-out of COVID-19
vaccinations to certain cohorts, including prisoners. As a result, Corrections have temporarily paused
our roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine to prisoners at all sites from 14 June 2021 until further notice.
Weekly Report 1 July 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
9
COVID-19 Key Statistics
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 5 July 2021. Note, these
figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker.
COVID-19 Dose One Vaccinations
(4 May 2021 – 5 July 2021)
Prison
Staff
Prisoner
Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility
354
186
Auckland South Corrections Facility
242
551
Auckland Prison
423
0
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
451
0
Northland Region Corrections Facility
125
0
Waikeria Prison
270
0
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
309
41
Tongariro Prison
120
0
Whanganui Prison
194
230
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
256
0
Manawatu Prison
137
32
Arohata Prison
102
21
Rimutaka Prison
571
0
Invercargill Prison
33
0
Otago Corrections Facility
202
0
Christchurch Men's Prison
522
0
Christchurch Women's Prison
76
51
Rolleston Prison
139
197
Total
4,526
1,318
Notes:
-
The figures above only represent staff who have received their vaccination on site.
-
On 11 June 2021, the Ministry of Health announced a slow down to the roll-out of COVID-19
vaccinations to certain cohorts, including prisoners. As a result, Corrections have temporarily paused
our roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine to prisoners at all sites from 14 June 2021 until further notice.
Weekly Report 8 July 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
10
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 12 July 2021. Note, these
figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker
COVID-19 Key Statistics
(18 March 2020 – 12 July 2021)
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self-Isolation
17
-9
ff
Awaiting Testing
9
-1
ta
S
Negative Test
816
9
Positive Test
3
0
r
Negative Screen
24,672
285
e
n
Awaiting Testing
1
-3
o
is
Negative Test
1,392
10
Pr
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2020 – 12 July 2021)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Awaiting
Prison
Swab
Refused
Total
Screen
Test
Testing
Result
Auckland Prison
885
20
0
1
0
906
Arohata Prison
451
61
0
2
0
514
Auckland Region Women’s
2021
178
1
2
0
2,202
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections
1,183
34
0
0
0
1,217
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
1,738
22
0
2
0
1,762
Christchurch Women’s Prison
302
35
0
0
0
337
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
1,381
100
0
3
0
1,484
Invercargill Prison
290
18
0
1
0
309
Manawatu Prison
536
34
0
3
0
573
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
6,403
416
0
2
0
6,821
Northland Region Corrections
1,596
19
0
0
0
1,615
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
460
45
0
2
0
507
Rimutaka Prison
1,607
205
0
29
0
1,841
Rolleston Prison
126
7
0
1
0
134
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
2,616
72
0
0
0
2,688
Tongariro Prison
304
4
0
0
0
308
Waikeria Prison
1,877
61
0
3
0
1,941
Whanganui Prison
777
54
0
2
1
834
Total
24,553
1,385
1
53
1
25,993
Weekly Report 15 July 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
8
COVID-19 Vaccinations
(4 May 2021 – 13 July 2021)
Staff –
Staff –
Prisoner –
Prisoner –
Prison
Dose One
Dose Two
Dose One
Dose Two
Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility
431
310
186
0
Auckland South Corrections Facility
251
257
551
0
Auckland Prison
452
388
0
0
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
518
383
0
0
Northland Region Corrections Facility
99
94
0
0
Waikeria Prison
294
254
0
0
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
370
282
41
0
Tongariro Prison
109
101
0
0
Whanganui Prison
194
151
230
58
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
279
241
0
1
Manawatu Prison
177
127
32
2
Arohata Prison
117
85
21
0
Rimutaka Prison
607
499
0
0
Invercargill Prison
35
29
0
0
Otago Corrections Facility
185
192
0
0
Christchurch Men's Prison
522
418
0
0
Christchurch Women's Prison
76
54
51
0
Rolleston Prison
141
116
197
0
Total
4,857
3,981
1,318
61
Notes:
-
The figures above only represent people who have received their vaccination at a prison site, and are
not exclusively custodial staff (ie: may include a range of Corrections staff and providers).
-
On 11 June 2021, the Ministry of Health announced a slow down to the roll-out of COVID-19
vaccinations to certain cohorts, including prisoners. As a result, Corrections have temporarily paused
our roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine to prisoners at all sites from 14 June 2021 until further notice.
Weekly Report 15 July 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
9
COVID-19 Key Statistics
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 18 July 2021. Note, these
figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker
COVID-19 Vaccinations
(4 May 2021 – 18 July 2021)
Staff –
Staff –
Prisoner –
Prisoner –
Prison
Dose One
Dose Two
Dose One
Dose Two
Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility
431
310
186
0
Auckland South Corrections Facility
251
257
551
0
Auckland Prison
452
388
0
0
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
518
383
0
0
Northland Region Corrections Facility
99
94
0
0
Waikeria Prison
294
254
0
0
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
370
282
41
0
Tongariro Prison
109
101
0
0
Whanganui Prison
194
151
230
58
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
279
241
0
1
Manawatu Prison
177
127
32
2
Arohata Prison
117
85
21
0
Rimutaka Prison
607
499
0
0
Invercargill Prison
35
29
0
0
Otago Corrections Facility
185
192
0
0
Christchurch Men's Prison
522
418
0
0
Christchurch Women's Prison
76
54
51
0
Rolleston Prison
141
116
197
0
Total
4,857
3,981
1,318
61
Notes:
-
The figures above only represent people who have received their vaccination at a prison site, and are
not exclusively custodial staff (ie: may include a range of Corrections staff and providers).
Weekly Report 22 July 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
8
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 26 July 2021. Note, these
figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker
COVID-19 Key Statistics
(18 March 2020 – 26 July 2021)
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self-Isolation
16
7
ff
Awaiting Testing
6
1
ta
S
Negative Test
834
8
Positive Test
3
0
r
Negative Screen
25,231
299
Awaiting Testing
5
3
one
s
ri
Negative Test
1,405
3
P
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2020 – 26 July 2021)
Positive
Negative
Negative
Awaiting
Prison
Swab
Refused
Total
Screen
Test
Testing
Result
Auckland Prison
918
19
0
1
0
938
Arohata Prison
456
63
0
2
0
521
Auckland Region Women’s
2,065
178
1
3
0
2,247
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections
1,206
34
0
0
0
1,240
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
1,786
23
0
2
0
1,811
Christchurch Women’s Prison
312
35
0
0
0
347
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
1,420
102
0
4
0
1,526
Invercargill Prison
292
18
0
1
0
311
Manawatu Prison
546
34
0
3
0
583
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
6,555
418
0
2
0
6,975
Northland Region Corrections
1,618
19
0
0
0
1,637
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
478
45
0
2
0
525
Rimutaka Prison
1,639
212
0
30
3
1,884
Rolleston Prison
129
7
0
1
0
137
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
2,680
72
0
0
1
2,753
Tongariro Prison
312
4
0
0
0
316
Waikeria Prison
1,904
61
0
3
0
1,968
Whanganui Prison
796
54
0
2
1
853
Total
25,112
1,398
1
56
5
26,572
Weekly Report 29 July 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
8
COVID-19 Vaccinations
(4 May 2021 – 25 July 2021)
Staff –
Staff –
Prisoner –
Prisoner –
Prison
Dose One
Dose Two
Dose One
Dose Two
Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility
431
322
21
4
Auckland South Corrections Facility
251
257
185
77
Auckland Prison
452
388
490
9
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
518
383
9
1
Northland Region Corrections Facility
99
94
24
0
Waikeria Prison
294
254
51
0
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
370
282
10
0
Tongariro Prison
109
101
0
0
Whanganui Prison
194
151
26
1
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
279
241
9
2
Manawatu Prison
177
127
1
0
Arohata Prison
117
85
2
0
Rimutaka Prison
607
499
25
15
Invercargill Prison
35
29
190
9
Otago Corrections Facility
185
192
54
41
Christchurch Men's Prison
522
418
51
0
Christchurch Women's Prison
76
54
24
2
Rolleston Prison
141
116
193
145
Total
4,857
3,993
1,365
306
Notes:
-
The figures above only represent people who have received their vaccination at a prison site, and are
not exclusively custodial staff (ie: may include a range of Corrections staff and providers).
Weekly Report 29 July 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
9
COVID-19 Key Statistics
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 1 August 2021. Note, these
figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker
COVID-19 Vaccinations
(4 May 2021 – 1 August 2021)
Staff –
Staff –
Prisoner –
Prisoner –
Prison
Dose One
Dose Two
Dose One
Dose Two
Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility
431
322
21
4
Auckland South Corrections Facility
251
257
221
98
Auckland Prison
452
388
485
9
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
518
383
11
1
Northland Region Corrections Facility
99
94
138
9
Waikeria Prison
294
254
51
0
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
370
282
11
0
Tongariro Prison
109
101
1
0
Whanganui Prison
194
151
26
1
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
279
241
10
2
Manawatu Prison
177
127
1
0
Arohata Prison
117
85
2
0
Rimutaka Prison
607
499
27
15
Invercargill Prison
35
29
189
9
Otago Corrections Facility
185
192
56
40
Christchurch Men's Prison
522
418
191
1
Christchurch Women's Prison
76
54
131
13
Rolleston Prison
141
116
193
145
Total
4,857
3,993
1,765
347
Notes:
-
The figures above only represent people who have received their vaccination at a prison site, and are
not exclusively custodial staff (ie: may include a range of Corrections staff and providers).
Weekly Report 5 August 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
8
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 9 August 2021. Note, these
figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker
COVID-19 Key Statistics
(18 March 2020 – 9 August 2021)
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self-Isolation
2
-7
ff
Awaiting Testing
1
-2
ta
S
Negative Test
849
5
Positive Test
3
0
r
Negative Screen
25,843
309
Awaiting Testing
8
2
one
s
ri
Negative Test
1,414
6
P
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2020 – 9 August 2021)
New
New
Positive
Prison
Negative
Negative
Swab
Refused
Testing
Total
Screen
Test
Result
Auckland Prison
942
21
0
1
0
964
Arohata Prison
473
63
0
2
0
538
Auckland Region Women’s
2,106
178
1
3
0
2,288
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections
1,222
34
0
0
0
1,256
Facility
Christchurch Men’s Prison
1,842
23
0
2
0
1,867
Christchurch Women’s Prison
314
38
0
0
0
352
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
1,453
102
0
4
0
1,559
Invercargill Prison
295
18
0
1
0
314
Manawatu Prison
570
34
0
3
0
607
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
6,710
419
0
2
2
7,133
Northland Region Corrections
1,646
19
0
0
0
1,665
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
487
45
0
2
0
534
Rimutaka Prison
1,668
213
0
37
3
1,921
Rolleston Prison
135
7
0
1
0
143
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
2,760
73
0
0
1
2,834
Tongariro Prison
338
4
0
0
0
342
Waikeria Prison
1,943
61
0
3
0
2,007
Whanganui Prison
817
54
0
2
2
875
Total
25,721
1,406
1
63
8
27,199
Weekly Report 12 August 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
7
COVID-19 Vaccinations
(4 May 2021 – 10 August 2021)
Staff –
Staff –
Prisoner –
Prisoner –
Prison
Dose One
Dose Two
Dose One
Dose Two
Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility
431
322
238
111
Auckland South Corrections Facility
251
257
485
10
Auckland Prison
452
388
11
1
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
518
383
11
2
Northland Region Corrections Facility
99
94
232
0
Waikeria Prison
294
254
260
21
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
370
282
56
40
Tongariro Prison
109
101
193
1
Whanganui Prison
194
151
194
151
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
279
241
13
0
Manawatu Prison
177
127
132
10
Arohata Prison
117
85
22
9
Rimutaka Prison
607
499
27
15
Invercargill Prison
35
29
1
0
Otago Corrections Facility
185
192
221
2
Christchurch Men's Prison
522
418
217
15
Christchurch Women's Prison
76
54
68
32
Rolleston Prison
141
146
200
99
Total
4,857
4,023
2,581
519
Notes:
-
The figures above only represent people who have received their vaccination at a prison site.
-
Please note, these figures differ from the report dated 5 August 2021 due to an admin error. The
figures above are the most up to date figures as at 12 August 2021.
Weekly Report 12 August 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
8
COVID-19 Key Statistics
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 19 August 2021. Note,
these figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker
COVID-19 Vaccinations
(4 May 2021 – 19 August 2021)
Staff –
Staff –
Prisoner –
Prisoner –
Prison
Dose One
Dose Two
Dose One
Dose Two
Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility
431
322
237
110
Auckland South Corrections Facility
251
257
597
373
Auckland Prison
452
388
240
7
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
518
383
27
4
Northland Region Corrections Facility
99
94
260
0
Waikeria Prison
294
254
255
24
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
370
282
417
47
Tongariro Prison
109
101
197
2
Whanganui Prison
194
151
196
145
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
279
241
14
-
Manawatu Prison
177
127
131
10
Arohata Prison
117
85
64
15
Rimutaka Prison
607
499
391
26
Invercargill Prison
35
29
1**
0**
Otago Corrections Facility
185
192
222
2
Christchurch Men's Prison
522
418
241
16
Christchurch Women's Prison
76
54
68
32
Rolleston Prison
141
146
224
170
Total
4,857
4,023
3,782
983
Notes:
-
The figures above only represent people who have received their vaccination at a prison site.
-
*The prison site reflects the latest sites where the individuals vaccinated are located. This may be
different from the site where the vaccines were given as they may be transferred. The number of
people vaccinated above also includes those who have left the prison as at 16 August 2021.
-
**Invercargill Prison has administered first doses for people in prison, and we are awaiting
confirmation on numbers.
Weekly Report 19 August 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
7
Corrections Portfolio – Hōkai Rangi
This section updates you on areas of importance within the Corrections portfolio.
Update on Corrections’ COVID-19 response
Corrections continues to manage well under the current COVID-19 Alert Level 4 settings. As at 26 August
2021, there are zero positive cases of COVID-19 within the prison population. There are also zero positive
cases reported for staff. A large number of Corrections staff are self-isolating, with the majority of these staff
members not appearing to be symptomatic and mostly located in the Northern Region. There has been no
significant adverse reaction about the change in Alert Levels detected amongst the prison population, and no
significant operational issues reported. Corrections’ stocks of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is
sufficient, with no significant supply line issues. We currently have a number of controls in place to minimise
risks relating to the transmission of COVID-19, including health screening for every person who enters a
prison. The secure and controlled nature of the prison environment means we are able to quickly isolate
people in prison as required, restrict their movements, and identify people who would have been in contact
with them if required.
Corrections is taking appropriate measures to ensure that all people newly coming into prison are being
managed separately from others for 14 days, to prevent the risk of them bringing COVID-19 into prison from
the community. They are also being tested for COVID-19 on arrival into prison.
Corrections began its on-site COVID-19 vaccine roll-out for prison-based staff in early May 2021 and
completed this roll-out in late July 2021. Corrections continues to encourage all staff members, including those
who chose not to receive the vaccine during our roll-out programme, to be vaccinated in the community.
Corrections’ Health Centre staff are now also administering vaccines to prison-based staff, as well as people
in prison. Corrections’ staff are also recognized as essential workers and are bring prioritized in the Ministry of
Health booking process. We are actively monitoring vaccine uptake by vulnerable groups within the prison
population, particularly Māori and Pasifika, and additional planning is underway to optimise uptake rates within
our prisons.
Additional scenario planning and preparation work is underway to ensure Corrections is fully prepared for any
outbreak of COVID-19 with a custodial setting, including discussions with Corrections’ counterparts in
Australia, to learn from their recent experiences with the Delta Variant outbreak. Planning is also underway to
ensure mandatory scanning at all Corrections sites can occur as Alert Levels reduce.
Outside of Scope
Weekly Report 26 August 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
3
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 23 August 2021. Note,
these figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker
COVID-19 Key Statistics
(18 March 2020 – 23 August 2021)
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self-Isolation
370
368
ff
Awaiting Testing
146
145
ta
S
Negative Test
915
66
Positive Test
3
0
r
Negative Screen
26,400
78
Awaiting Testing
47
6
one
s
ri
Negative Test
1,447
25
P
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2020 – 23 August 2021)
New
New
Positive
Prison
Negative
Negative
Swab
Refused
Testing
Total
Screen
Test
Result
Auckland Prison
954
21
0
1
0
980
Arohata Prison
485
64
0
2
1
553
Auckland Region Women’s
2,142
178
1
3
2
2,326
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections Facility
1,229
34
0
0
0
1,263
Christchurch Men’s Prison
1,900
22
0
3
1
1,926
Christchurch Women’s Prison
320
40
0
0
0
360
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
1,491
105
0
4
2
1,602
Invercargill Prison
299
18
0
1
1
319
Manawatu Prison
584
34
0
3
1
624
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
6,860
423
0
4
5
7,292
Northland Region Corrections Facility
1,670
20
0
0
1
1,691
Otago Corrections Facility
497
46
0
3
3
549
Rimutaka Prison
1,711
215
0
44
6
1,976
Rolleston Prison
135
26
0
1
20
182
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
2,851
73
0
0
3
2,927
Tongariro Prison
353
4
0
0
0
357
Waikeria Prison
1,965
61
0
3
0
2,029
Whanganui Prison
832
55
0
4
1
892
Total
26,278
1,439
1
76
47
27,848
Weekly Report 26 August 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
8
COVID-19 Vaccinations
(4 May 2021 – 23 August 2021)
Staff –
Staff –
Prisoner –
Prisoner –
Prison
Dose One
Dose Two
Dose One
Dose Two
Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility
431
322
243
120
Auckland South Corrections Facility
251
257
597
372
Auckland Prison
452
388
247
8
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
518
383
35
7
Northland Region Corrections Facility
99
94
254
0
Waikeria Prison
296
254
268
24
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
370
282
411
46
Tongariro Prison
109
101
198
4
Whanganui Prison
212
153
194
145
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
279
241
32
1
Manawatu Prison
177
127
129
10
Arohata Prison
117
85
64
16
Rimutaka Prison
607
526
430
28
Invercargill Prison
35
29
67
0
Otago Corrections Facility
185
192
216
2
Christchurch Men's Prison
522
448
342
17
Christchurch Women's Prison
76
54
68
32
Rolleston Prison
147
152
225
170
Total
4,883
4,088
4,020
1,002
Notes:
-
The figures above only represent people who have received their vaccination at a prison site.
-
The prison site reflects the latest sites where the individuals vaccinated are located. This may be
Weekly Report 26 August 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
9
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 30 August 2021. Note,
these figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker
COVID-19 Vaccinations
(4 May 2021 – 30 August 2021)
Staff –
Staff –
Prisoner –
Prisoner –
Prison
Dose One
Dose Two
Dose One
Dose Two
Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility
431
322
251
157
Auckland South Corrections Facility
251
257
606
374
Auckland Prison
452
388
247
8
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
564
389
220
9
Northland Region Corrections Facility
99
94
259
1
Waikeria Prison
309
255
283
24
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
406
288
405
45
Tongariro Prison
113
103
247
93
Whanganui Prison
218
159
193
145
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
282
241
302
9
Manawatu Prison
177
127
124
10
Arohata Prison
117
85
64
16
Rimutaka Prison
607
526*
434
28
Invercargill Prison
42
29
70
0
Otago Corrections Facility
206
192
233
8
Christchurch Men's Prison
522
448
341
17
Christchurch Women's Prison
86
61
69
37
Rolleston Prison
147
152
225
170
Total
5,029
4,116
4,575
1,151
Notes:
-
*83 people (including staff members and their family) were vaccinated at a Rimutaka drive through
clinic which have not been included in the above statistics.
-
Corrections’ Health staff continue to offer vaccinations to people in prison as well as prison based
staff.
Weekly Report 2 September 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
6
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 6 September 2021. Note,
these figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker.
COVID-19 Key Statistics
(18 March 2020 – 6 September 2021)
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self-Isolation
169
-201
ff
Awaiting Testing
77
-69
ta
S
Negative Test
1269
354
Positive Test
3
0
r
Negative Screen
26,720
26
Awaiting Testing
159
31
one
ris
Negative Test
1,978
259
P
Positive Test
1
0
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2020 – 6 September 2021)
New
New
Positive
Prison
Negative
Negative
Swab
Refused Testing
Total
Screen
Test
Result
Auckland Prison
964
25
0
1
0
990
Arohata Prison
486
73
0
2
5
566
Auckland Region Women’s
2,147
217
1
3
23
2,391
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections Facility
1,300
36
0
0
1
1,337
Christchurch Men’s Prison
1,964
33
0
3
0
2,000
Christchurch Women’s Prison
322
43
0
0
1
366
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
1,521
121
0
7
4
1,653
Invercargill Prison
302
21
0
2
4
329
Manawatu Prison
589
61
0
5
18
673
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
6,861
595
0
5
32
7,493
Northland Region Corrections
1,690
21
0
3
16
1,730
Facility
Otago Corrections Facility
499
56
0
3
6
564
Rimutaka Prison
1,718
231
0
58
7
2,014
Rolleston Prison
137
46
0
1
0
184
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
2,853
247
0
9
31
3,140
Tongariro Prison
419
4
0
0
0
423
Waikeria Prison
1,977
67
0
3
6
2,053
Whanganui Prison
848
73
0
6
5
932
Total
26,597
1,970
1
111
159
28,838
Notes:
-
Please note, figures are now reported daily. The ‘Since Last Reported’ column indicates the difference
from the previous day.
Weekly Report 9 September 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
8
COVID-19 Vaccinations
(4 May 2021 – 5 September 2021)
Current
Current
Staff – Staff –
Prisoner –
Prisoner –
Prisoner
Prisoner
Prison
Dose
Dose
Dose One
Dose Two
Population – Population -
One
Two
Total*
Total*
Dose One
Dose Two
Auckland Region Women’s
431
322
168
142
256
160
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections Facility
251
257
543
359
619
374
Auckland Prison
452
388
235
8
249
8
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
564
389
466
9
481
10
Northland Region Corrections Facility
99
94
236
1
259
1
Waikeria Prison
309
255
260
63
285
66
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
421
290
456
47
470
51
Tongariro Prison
113
103
282
228
286
228
Whanganui Prison
218
159
217
144
257
158
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
294
242
355
10
378
10
Manawatu Prison
178
127
111
10
124
10
Arohata Prison
117
85
42
11
64
16
Rimutaka Prison
607
526*
405
26
435
28
Invercargill Prison
43
29
73
0
84
1
Otago Corrections Facility
206
192
214
16
235
17
Christchurch Men's Prison
522
448
349
16
382
17
Christchurch Women's Prison
86
61
44
30
69
37
Rolleston Prison
151
152
216
163
237
171
Total
5,062
4,119
4,672
1,283
5,170*
1,363*
Notes:
-
Current Prisoner Population Dose One and Dose Two are a snap-shot of how many people are
currently in prison and have received a first and/or second dose (as at 5 September 2021).
-
Prisoner Dose One and Two Total* shows the cumulative number of vaccines administered to
people across all sites since the vaccination programme began. This total also includes people that
have since left prison.
Weekly Report 9 September 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
9
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 12 September 2021. Note,
these figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker.
Key Numbers – As at 12 September 2021
4,740 –
First dose
Number of current prisoners vaccinated
1,844 – S
econd dose
Total cumulative number of vaccinated
5,423 –
First dose
prisoners (including people who are no longer in
1,969 – S
econd dose
custody)
Number of vaccinated prisoners released from
683 –
First dose
custody
125 – S
econd dose
Total on-site* prison population as at 12
September 2021
8,075
*excludes prisoners accommodated at mental health facilities or
other temporary locations)
Staff –
Staff – Dose
Prisoner – Prisoner –
Prison
Dose
One
Dose One
Dose Two
Two
Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility
431
322
176
143
Auckland South Corrections Facility
251
257
530
354
Auckland Prison
452
388
234
8
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
564
389
481
10
Northland Region Corrections Facility
99
94
229
1
Waikeria Prison
309
255
280
129
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
421
290
437
43
Tongariro Prison
113
103
277
221
Whanganui Prison
218
159
243
144
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
294
242
340
13
Manawatu Prison
178
127
102
12
Arohata Prison
117
85
38
9
Rimutaka Prison
610
531
446
373
Invercargill Prison
43
29
72
0
Otago Corrections Facility
207
193
216
89
Christchurch Men's Prison
522
448
374
83
Christchurch Women's Prison
86
61
48
34
Rolleston Prison
151
152
217
178
Total
5,066
4,125
4,740
1,844
Weekly Report 16 September 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
9
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 20 September 2021. Note,
these figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker.
COVID-19 Key Statistics
(18 March 2020 – 20 September 2021)
Metric
Total
± Since Last Reported
Self-Isolation
75
-94
ff
Awaiting Testing
50
-27
ta
S
Negative Test
1,534
265
Positive Test
3
0
r
Negative Screen
27,024
60
Awaiting Testing
86
-31
one
s
ri
Negative Test
2,649
127
P
Positive Test
2
1
COVID-19 Prisoner Screening Outcomes
(18 March 2020 – 20 September 2021)
New
New
Positive
Prison
Negative
Negative
Swab
Refused
Testing
Total
Screen
Test
Result
Auckland Prison
975
26
0
1
0
1,002
Arohata Prison
496
84
0
2
1
583
Auckland Region Women’s
2,155
285
1
6
31
2,478
Corrections Facility
Auckland South Corrections Facility
1,297
36
0
0
0
1,333
Christchurch Men’s Prison
2,016
56
0
6
2
2,080
Christchurch Women’s Prison
330
50
0
0
0
380
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
1,556
147
0
18
2
1,723
Invercargill Prison
305
26
0
2
1
334
Manawatu Prison
602
89
0
7
2
700
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
6,860
839
1
7
21
7,728
Northland Region Corrections Facility
1,703
55
0
5
11
1774
Otago Corrections Facility
504
66
0
4
2
576
Rimutaka Prison
1,762
258
0
68
4
2,092
Rolleston Prison
145
44
0
1
0
190
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
2,915
377
0
18
8
3,318
Tongariro Prison
428
4
0
0
0
432
Waikeria Prison
1,995
78
0
3
0
2,076
Whanganui Prison
852
121
0
23
1
997
Total
26,896
2,641
2
171
86
29,796
Notes:
•
Please note, figures are now reported daily. The ‘Since Last Reported’ column indicates the difference
from the previous day.
Weekly Report 23 September 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
9
Key Numbers – As at 19 September 2021
4,860–
First dose
Number of current prisoners vaccinated
2,159 – S
econd dose
Total cumulative number of vaccinated
5,643 –
First dose
prisoners
2,310 – S
econd dose
(including people who are no longer in custody)
Number of vaccinated prisoners released from
783 –
First dose
custody
151 – S
econd dose
Total on-site* prison population as at 12
September 2021
8,029
(*excludes prisoners accommodated at mental health facilities or
other temporary locations)
Staff –
Staff – Dose
Prisoner – Prisoner –
Prison
Dose
One
Dose One
Dose Two
Two
Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility
436
330
171
140
Auckland South Corrections Facility
251
257
529
360
Auckland Prison
452
388
236
9
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
570
389
544
16
Northland Region Corrections Facility
99
94
227
2
Waikeria Prison
321
257
298
184
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
422
290
441
53
Tongariro Prison
113
103
276
241
Whanganui Prison
219
164
264
144
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
306
243
336
14
Manawatu Prison
178
127
99
13
Arohata Prison
117
85
38
8
Rimutaka Prison
611
536
446
379
Invercargill Prison
43
29
65
1
Otago Corrections Facility
210
202
230
190
Christchurch Men's Prison
522
448
395
179
Christchurch Women's Prison
86
61
47
40
Rolleston Prison
151
152
218
186
Total
5,107
4,158
4,860
2,159
Weekly Report 23 September 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
10
COVID-19 Key Statistics and Screening Outcomes
This section updates you on the Critical Health and Safety Risk (COVID-19) as at 26 September 2021. Note,
these figures are reliant on information input by staff into a centralised health and safety tracker.
Key Numbers – As at 26 September 2021
5,190–
First dose
Number of current prisoners vaccinated
3,021 – S
econd dose
Total cumulative number of vaccinated
6,112 –
First dose
prisoners
3,220 – S
econd dose
(including people who are no longer in custody)
Number of vaccinated prisoners released from
922 –
First dose
custody
199 – S
econd dose
Total on-site* prison population as at 12
September 2021
8,005
(*excludes prisoners accommodated at mental health facilities or
other temporary locations)
Staff –
Staff – Dose
Prisoner – Prisoner –
Prison
Dose
One
Dose One
Dose Two
Two
Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility
436
330
205
148
Auckland South Corrections Facility
251
257
527
362
Auckland Prison
452
388
324
210
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
570
389
582
38
Northland Region Corrections Facility
99
94
284
166
Waikeria Prison
321
258
307
224
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
422
294
533
341
Tongariro Prison
121
103
278
257
Whanganui Prison
219
170
258
173
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
306
243
317
14
Manawatu Prison
178
127
126
73
Arohata Prison
117
85
60
33
Rimutaka Prison
611
536
439
373
Invercargill Prison
43
29
67
3
Otago Corrections Facility
210
202
226
184
Christchurch Men's Prison
522
448
390
196
Christchurch Women's Prison
86
61
46
38
Rolleston Prison
151
152
221
188
Total
5,118
4,166
5,190
3,021
Weekly Report 30 September 2021 – In Confidence – Free and Frank for Minister of Corrections
10
Outside of Scope
From:
POWELL, Rebecca (WELLHO)
Sent:
20 May 2021 03:34 p.m.
To:
Hannah Pattinson; Jono Dowson
Cc:
JONES, Robert (WELLHO); RAETHEL, Brydie (WELLHO)
Subject:
Update on Corrections COVID-19 vaccine programme
Categories:
Ministerial
Hi Hannah
As discussed, here is an update on the COVID‐19 vaccine programme which we have prepared given the media
coverage in the last 24 hours – see https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/covid‐19‐coronavirus‐govt‐rejected‐
expert‐advice‐to‐vaccinate‐160000‐maori‐and‐pasifika‐earlier/56FWQAES2P5W4LNN2X66FPCXMU/,
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/05/national‐says‐it‐s‐ironic‐prisoners‐being‐vaccinated‐before‐
frontline‐cops.html and a press release https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA2105/S00166/transparency‐needed‐on‐
covid‐after‐sneaky‐prisoner‐rule‐change.htm.
Outside of Scope
.
Thanks,
Rebecca
Update on COVID-19 vaccination programme for Corrections staff and people in prison
International evidence has shown that COVID-19 can spread quickly through custodial facilities
where large groups of people reside in close proximity. Overseas there has been a significant impact
on prison staff and people in prison, with thousands infected with the virus and hundreds of fatalities.
In New Zealand, prison-based staff across the country are included in Group 2 of the vaccination roll-
out. At each site, prison-based staff are offered the vaccine before prisoners.
As per the Government’s decision on vaccine sequencing, prisoners at Auckland South Corrections
Facility (ASCF) and Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility (ARWCF) are also included in
Group 2 of the roll-out due to their location in the high-risk area of Counties Manukau.
Prisoners in all other prisons are included in Group 3.
Corrections has followed Ministry of Health guidance throughout the roll-out of its vaccination
programme. In April, the Ministry of Health confirmed that Corrections could commence vaccinating
Group 3 prisoners from the start of May onwards, as per their publicly available guidance.
Corrections operates 18 prisons across New Zealand, with some in remote locations which makes it
more difficult to arrange vaccinations. To ensure maximum uptake of the vaccine, private providers
have been engaged to vaccinate staff at all prisons (except for Whanganui Prison, where staff are
being vaccinated by the DHB) and Corrections Health Services staff vaccinating prisoners.
Corrections have begun vaccinating prison-based staff at 13 prisons to date. At the end of yesterday
2972 of our staff had received their first dose. Prison-based staff at our remaining five prisons will be
offered the first dose of the vaccine in the coming weeks.
1
Prisoners at ASCF are now being vaccinated, with prisoner vaccinations at ARWCF beginning on
Monday 24 May. At the end of yesterday (19 May) 399 prisoners at ASCF had received their first
dose of the vaccine.
At some prisons where prison staff have been offered the first dose, Corrections has gone on to
vaccinate a small number of prisoners in line with the Ministry of Health guidance. This included:
o
78 prisoners at Whanganui Prison received the first dose of the vaccine in early May, after staff
at the prison were offered the first dose.
o
One prisoner at ASCF received the first dose following staff being offered the first dose (to
enable a deportation).
o
Four prisoners at Arohata received their first dose, after staff were offered the first dose.
Outside of Scope
Rebecca Powell
General Manager Communications and Government Services
Department of Corrections,
Ara Poutama Aotearoa p:s
9
(
2
)
(
a
)
2
Update for Minister – Thursday 19 August 2021
Update on Corrections’ overall COVID response, including processes for each alert level and how
they have been amended to account for the Delta variant.
Corrections is well prepared to respond to this latest COVID‐19 event due to significant planning
over the past year, as well as a number of changes in Alert Level during 2020 and 2021. Our National
Coordination Centre (NCC) and Regional Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) were activated at
1700hrs on Tuesday 17 August 2021, prior to the Prime Minister’s announcement.
All prisons began moving to our Alert Level 4 protocols from midnight Wednesday 18 August, based
on our High‐Level Guidance for COVID‐19 Alert level 4. This guidance was initially developed during
the course of last year’s Level 4 lockdown and has been refined over the past year.
Key changes to prison operations as per our Alert Level protocols include:
Personal visits to prisoners will not take place until New Zealand moves to lower Alert
Levels.
Recommencement of separation units for 14 days for all new receptions from 11:59pm 17
August 2021.
We are working to provide additional phone cards to prisoners to ensure contact with
friends and whānau. Video calling is available for certain prisoners at some prisons.
Face‐to‐face statutory visits (including Ombudsman and Inspectorate visits) will be able to
continue with appropriate health and safety protocols in place, including mask wearing. All
other face‐to‐face visits, including Parole Board and legal visits are being undertaken via
other means such as phone or audio‐visual link (AVL).
Health screening for COVID‐19 symptoms and exposure, including thermal imaging for
temperature checks, is being completed.
Prisons are also taking steps to shield vulnerable prisoners at the greatest risk of severe illness from
COVID‐19. An evidence based COVID‐19 risk stratification tool is being used to identify those people
with the highest risk of severe disease. Those with the highest scores (which includes increased risk
score for Māori) are as far as practicable, shielded within a vulnerability bubble, where they can
continue with unit activities. The ‘vulnerable people lists’ are refreshed weekly at Alert level 4.
We are actively managing any staff members who have been identified as having visited a location of
interest.
Prison staff have been reminded to ensure that their N95 masks are “fit checked” every time they
are used to ensure maximum protection. Primary health services continue to be delivered to people
in prison.
Significant planning and actions in the event of a COVID‐19 outbreak in prisons are under active
review.
Outside of Scope
Our Community Corrections and office‐based staff (including Regional Offices, National Office, the
National Learning Centre, but excluding Electronic Monitoring centres) will work from home
until
further notice unless required by specific circumstances. Any essential staff, including prison staff,
entering their workplace will be expected to undertake good hygiene and physical distancing
practices and must wear PPE inside. All travel to Corrections sites, including prisons, by non‐essential
staff is cancelled.
Corrections’ response is taking the most stringent measures to protect our staff, prisoners, and the
community from the heightened risk posed by the Delta variant. Corrections has received positive
feedback from the Ministry of Health around the quality of our controls throughout our on‐going
response to COVID‐19. Corrections continues to evaluate all operational settings in light of the more
transmissible nature of the Delta variant.
Update on the vaccine rollout plan for staff and prisoners.
Corrections began its on‐site COVID‐19 vaccine roll‐out for prison‐based staff in early May and
completed this roll‐out in late July. Corrections continues to encourage all staff members, including
those who chose not to receive the vaccine during our roll‐out programme, to be vaccinated in the
community.
As with the wider pause on the National Immunisation Programme, vaccinations for prisoners were
paused by the Ministry of Health on the evening of Tuesday 18 August. On Wednesday 18 August,
Corrections was advised alongside other providers and DHBs that vaccinations can recommence
Thursday 19 August.
At the time of writing, most prisons (excluding MECF and HBRP) have already administered their first
doses to prisoners and are now waiting the recommended 6 weeks before they offer the second
dose. As a result of this, Corrections has not had to pause or slow down any planned vaccinations.
Corrections is today considering options to offer additional opportunities to be vaccinated as a
priority to prison‐based staff and prisoners who have previously not taken up this opportunity. This
may involve using our own Health Centre staff to administer vaccines to prison‐based staff as well as
prisoners.
We are actively monitoring vaccine uptake by vulnerable groups, particularly Māori and Pasifika, and
developing plans to encourage vaccine uptake among more hesitant populations.
The Ministry of Health has provided advice around Alert Level 4 PPE requirements as well as
environmental, operational, and infection prevention control measures for vaccination centres.
Corrections is adhering to this guidance for vaccinations planned within the next week and will
continue to do so, adjusting our guidance as and when MoH does.
Numbers for vaccines administered to staff in prisons, and to prisoners, is offered below:
COVID-19 Vaccinations
(4 May 2021 – 19 August 2021)
Staff –
Prisoner
Prisoner
Staff –
Prison
Dose
– Dose
– Dose
Dose One
Two
One*
Two*
Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility
431
322
237
110
Auckland South Corrections Facility
251
257
597
373
Auckland Prison
452
388
240
7
Mt Eden Corrections Facility
518
383
27
4
Northland Region Corrections Facility
99
94
260
-
Waikeria Prison
294
254
255
24
Spring Hill Corrections Facility
370
282
417
47
Tongariro Prison
109
101
197
2
Whanganui Prison
194
151
196
145
Hawke’s Bay Regional Prison
279
241
14
-
Manawatu Prison
177
127
131
10
Arohata Prison
117
85
64
15
Rimutaka Prison
607
499
391
26
Invercargill Prison
35
29
1**
-**
Otago Corrections Facility
185
192
222
2
Christchurch Men's Prison
522
418
241
16
Christchurch Women's Prison
76
54
68
32
Rolleston Prison
141
146
224
170
Total
4,857
4,023
3,782
983
* Please note that the prison site reflects the latest sites where prisoners are located. This may be
different from the site where the vaccines were given as prisoners can be transferred. The number
of prisoners also includes those who have left the prison as at 16/8/21.
**Invercargill Prison has administered first doses for prisoners, and we are awaiting confirmation on
numbers.
COVID‐19 Vaccine focus for high‐risk environments
Corrections is now contacting all prison‐based staff rostered to specific high‐risk areas within prisons
identified under Alert Level 4. Corrections will strongly encourage these staff members to consider
being vaccinated if they are not already and offer to provide vaccinations for these staff as a matter
of priority.
Outside of Scope
From:
JONES, Robert (WELLHO)
Sent:
19 August 2021 01:11 p.m.
To:
Hannah Pattinson; Jono Dowson
Subject:
C140257- MIN OFF Request: Update on Corrections' COVID-19 response plan
Attachments:
20210819 REV3 Ministers update Delta.docx
Kia ora Hannah
Please find attached an update on Corrections COVID response as requested.
Cheers, Rob
Robert Jones Manager Ministerial Services Ara Poutama Aotearoa,
Department of Corrections Wāhi mahi: Freyberg Building, 20 Aitken Street, Wellington | Private Bag 1206, Wellington 6140
s 9(2)(a)
Hi Rob
As briefly discussed, could we please request the following:
1) Update on Corrections’ overall COVID response, including processes for each alert level and how they have
been amended to account for the Delta variant.
2) Update on the vaccine rollout plan for staff and prisoners.
Outside of Scope
Thank you very much!
Hannah
Hannah Pattinson
Private Secretary ‐ Corrections | Office of Hon Kelvin Davis
Minister for Children | Minister of Corrections | Minister for Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti | Associate Minister of
Education
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
T: 04 817 8702
E [Kelvin Davis request email]
1
Email Disclaimer:
Please note information about meetings related to the Ministers’ portfolios will be proactively released (this does not include
personal or constituency matters). For each meeting in scope, the summary would list: date, time (start and finish), brief
description, location, who the meeting was with, and the portfolio. If you attend a meeting with the Minister on behalf of an
organisation, the name of the organisation will be released. If you are a senior staff member at an organisation, or meet with
the Minister in your personal capacity, your name may also be released. The location of the meeting will be released, unless it is
a private residence. The proactive release will be consistent with the provisions in the Official Information Act, including privacy
considerations. Under the Privacy Act 2020 you have the right to ask for a copy of any personal information we hold about you,
and to ask for it to be corrected if you think it is wrong. If you’d like to ask for a copy of your information, or to have it
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read more about the proactive release policy at https://www.dia.govt.nz/Proactive‐Releases#MS
2
Corrections staff
As at 19 August 2021, 4,857 frontline staff members have received their first dose of the
COVID-19 vaccination. Of those, 4,023 have also received their second dose. These
numbers include only vaccinations of staff given at prison sites, and do not include any staff
who have been vaccinated in the community by their DHB (this information is not collected
by Corrections).
We have a large workforce of over 10,000 people working in prisons and the community and
we understand that getting vaccinated is the best thing we can all do to keep ourselves, our
whānau, our team and our wider community safe from COVID-19. As a result we have
worked closely with the Ministry of Health and our union partners on the planning required to
vaccinate our staff. As stated previously, we are also working to provide staff with additional
opportunities to be vaccinated, especially those who are working in high-risk locations.
The percentages reflected below are not indicative of total staff vaccinations. The
percentage is calculated against the establishment of custodial roles, however at many
prison sites non-custodial staff (for example nurses, case managers) were also vaccinated.
Serco staff are excluded from the data provided.
Further efforts are underway to strongly encourage all frontline staff to get vaccinated, with a
letter sent from National Commissioner Rachel Leota to all custodial staff this week. In
addition, while staff vaccinations through our contracted providers have now been
completed, staff who do wish to get the vaccine can do so at prison health centres.
COVID-19 Vaccinations as at 19 August 2021 – Corrections staff Prison
Staff – Dose
Staff – Dose
Number of staff* Percentage of
One
Two
custodial staff
who have
received at least
one dose of the
vaccine at
work**
Auckland Region 431
322
301.71
143%
Women’s
Corrections
Facility
Auckland Prison 452
388
390
116%
Mt Eden
518
383
560.11
92%
Corrections
Facility
Northland Region 99
94
305.30
32%
Corrections
Facility
Waikeria Prison
294
254
327
90%
Spring Hill
370
282
434.96
85%
Corrections
Facility
Tongariro Prison 109
101
213.40
51%
Whanganui
194
151
311.30
62%
Prison
Hawke’s Bay
279
241
379
73%
Regional Prison
Manawatu Prison 177
127
177.3
100%
COVID-19 Vaccinations as at 19 August 2021 – Corrections staff Prison
Staff – Dose
Staff – Dose
Number of staff* Percentage of
One
Two
custodial staff
who have
received at least
one dose of the
vaccine at
work**
Arohata Prison
117
85
130.30
90%
Rimutaka Prison 607
499
529
115%
Invercargill
35
29
106
33%
Prison
Otago
185
192
303
61%
Corrections
Facility
Christchurch
522
418
492.88
106%
Men's Prison
Christchurch
76
54
82
93%
Women's Prison
Rolleston Prison 141
146
179.50
79%
Total
4,857
4,023
5222.76
93%
*Only includes Custodial staff, not other staff who may work part or all of the time at a prison (for example nurses,
case managers) who were also able to access vaccination at work.
**Based on establishment – excludes vacancies
People in prison
As at 19 August 2021, 3,782 prisoners have received their first dose of the COVID-19
vaccination. Of those, 983 prisoners have also received their second dose. The prison
population is dynamic, and changes daily due to arrests, releases and court decisions,
therefore it is difficult to provide an accurate proportion of prisoners that have been
vaccinated – however the prison population on that day was 8,198 people. The average
prison population for 2020/21 by site is below, noting that the average population for the
year was 8,793.
On 11 June 2021 Corrections was advised that a decision had been made by the Ministry of
Health to slow the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine to certain groups, including people in
prison. This decision was made in order to manage stocks of the vaccine in the lead up to
new vaccine deliveries. As a result, Corrections paused the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine
to prisoners at all sites from Monday 14 June. Our prisoner vaccination programme resumed
in late July, and we have been working to provide additional opportunities to be vaccinated
as a priority to prisoners. TVNZ broadcast a story in relation to the pause of vaccines for
prisoners last night, which is available here.
While vaccinations are not compulsory, we have taken a proactive approach to encouraging
people in prison to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and have provided them with
information from the Ministry of Health. We have and will continue to provide information
about vaccine safety and effectiveness via conversations with health staff, through prisoner
kiosks, Prison TV, posters, pamphlets and other materials. Information is also available in a
range of languages.
COVID-19 Vaccinations as at 19 August 2021 – People in prison Prison*
Prisoner – Dose Prisoner – Dose Average
Percentage of
One
Two
prisoner
prisoners who
population
have received at
2020/21
least one
vaccine
Auckland Region 237
110
359
66%
Women’s
Corrections
Facility
Auckland South
597
373
872
68%
Corrections
Facility
Auckland Prison 240
7
541
44%
Mt Eden
27
4
1062
2%
Corrections
Facility
Northland Region 260
0
515
50%
Corrections
Facility
Waikeria Prison
255
24
578
44%
Spring Hill
417
47
795
52%
Corrections
Facility
Tongariro Prison 197
2
289
68%
Whanganui
196
145
438
45%
Prison
Hawke’s Bay
14
-
554
3%
Regional Prison
Manawatu Prison 131
10
245
53%
Arohata Prison
64
15
105
61%
Rimutaka Prison 391
26
788
50%
Invercargill
1**
0**
134
1%
Prison
Otago
222
2
366
61%
Corrections
Facility
Christchurch
241
16
809
30%
Men's Prison
Christchurch
68
32
91
75%
Women's Prison
Rolleston Prison 224
170
250
90%
Total
3,782
983
8,793
43%
*The prison site reflects the latest sites where the individuals vaccinated are located. This may be different from
the site where the vaccines were given as they may be transferred. The number of people vaccinated above also
includes those who have left the prison as at 16 August 2021. **Invercargill Prison has administered first doses for people in prison, and we are awaiting confirmation on
numbers.
BHIKHA, Radhika (WELLHO)
From:
POWELL, Rebecca (WELLHO)
Sent:
23 August 2021 10:22 a.m.
To:
Jono Dowson; JONES, Robert (WELLHO)
Cc:
s 9(2)(a)
RAETHEL, Brydie (WELLHO); s 9(2)(a)
HUDDLESTON, Matthew (WELLHO); Hannah Pattinson
Subject:
RE: MINOFF Request - Corrections' COVID-19 response plan
Attachments:
Vaccination information for Minister 23 August 2021.docx
Hi Jono
Please see attached. Note that there are significant caveats around the percentages. The staff numbers have come
from the org chart, and don’t factor in vacancies etc. The information also doesn’t include vaccines given to staff
offsite.
Thanks,
Rebecca
From: Jonathan Dowson <[email address]>
Sent: 20 August 2021 7:05 p.m.
To: POWELL, Rebecca (WELLHO) <[email address]>; JONES, Robert (WELLHO)
<[email address]>
Cc: Outside of Scope, s 9(2)(a)
RAETHEL, Brydie (WELLHO)
s 9(2)(a), Outside of Scope
HUDDLESTON, Matthew (WELLHO)
Hannah Pattinson Outside of Scope
Outside of Scope
Subject: MINOFF Request ‐ Corrections' COVID‐19 response plan
Good evening,
The Minister has asked a question about the vaccination statistics.
Could he be given the numbers of prisoners and staff at each of the prisons? This would provide context as to how
well we are doing in our efforts to get everyone vaccinated. Percentages would be ideal as this makes the numbers
really easy to understand at a glance.
In the future perhaps this table could be expanded to an A3? I know this is a big ask but if we could get these figures
by the Officials’ Meeting on Monday, 1130, that would be fantastic. However I understand this doesn’t give much
time.
Additionally, the statistics for staff being vaccinated do not include the figures for staff who have received their jab
outside of work. Do we have numbers or even a general idea of how many staff are getting their jabs away from
work?
Thanks
Jonathan Dowson
Private Secretary ‐ Corrections | Office of Hon Kelvin Davis
Minister for Children | Minister of Corrections | Minister for Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti | Associate Minister of
Education
Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
T: 04 817 8702
E [Kelvin Davis request email]
1
Email Disclaimer:
Please note information about meetings related to the Ministers’ portfolios will be proactively released (this does not include personal or constituency matters).
For each meeting in scope, the summary would list: date, time (start and finish), brief description, location, who the meeting was with, and the portfolio. If you
attend a meeting with the Minister on behalf of an organisation, the name of the organisation will be released. If you are a senior staff member at an
organisation, or meet with the Minister in your personal capacity, your name may also be released. The location of the meeting will be released, unless it is a
private residence. The proactive release will be consistent with the provisions in the Official Information Act, including privacy considerations. Under the Privacy
Act 1993 you have the right to ask for a copy of any personal information we hold about you, and to ask for it to be corrected if you think it is wrong. If you’d
like to ask for a copy of your information, or to have it corrected, or are concerned about the release of your information in the meeting disclosure, please
contact the sender. You can read more about the proactive release policy at https://www.dia.govt.nz/Proactive‐Releases#MS
2
To: Hon Kelvin Davis, Minister of Corrections
Aide Memoire: COVID-19 Preparedness Update
Date
26 June 2020
Decision and Timing No decision required
B number
B4033
Priority
Medium
Contacts
Name
Position
Contact number
First contact
Andy Milne
Deputy National Commissioner
s 9(2)(a)
☐
Senior Adviser, Office of the
s 9(2)(a)
☒
National Commissioner
Purpose
1
This Aide Memoire provides you with information regarding current operational settings
under COVID-19 Alert Level 1 and Corrections’ preparedness for any regression in alert
level.
Alert Level 1 operational settings and protection for prisons
2
Corrections currently has controls in place to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 entering prison
sites and to protect from any spread of the virus if it was to enter any site. These current
controls include;
thermal cameras, health screening and hand sanitisation on entry to prison sites for
staff and visitors;
availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) for all prison staff and visitors;
mandated use of PPE in specialist areas such as receiving offices;
starting 25 June 2020, enhanced questions during prisoner and visitor health
assessments to establish if subjects have recently been in national quarantine or
isolation facilities, or in contact with others who have been in such facilities.
testing of prisoners with symptoms of respiratory illness;
quarantine arrangements for any suspected / confirmed cases;
enhanced cleaning and hygiene protocols; and
guidance for all alert levels is in place and ready to implement (as attached).
Outside of Scope
Establishment of Pandemic Planning Working Group
4
The Incident Management Team has transitioned to the Pandemic Preparedness Working
Group (PPWG). This group is led by the Deputy National Commissioner and meets
fortnightly to ensure that Corrections’ operational settings are appropriate in the context of
the COVID-19 risk. The group will ensure that Corrections can activate the Critical Incident
Management Structure (CIMS) with immediacy if required and will be responsible for
ensuring that operational vigilance is maintained. CIMS is the official incident management
system that describes how New Zealand agencies and organisations coordinate, command
and control incident response of any scale. Each operational region has maintained a
dedicated senior leader to oversee regional activity and lead assurance processes. Key
PPWG work streams include:
Communications: Regular communication material to staff about the importance of
protecting our sites and not becoming complacent;
Human Resources: Guidance for staff to navigate COVID-19 issues;
Operational settings for each alert level: Keeping settings and changes updated to
ensure readiness for quick level changes if required and reviewing previous settings to
understand any improvements that could be made;
Site staffing models: Developing specific rosters with union partners to cater for potential
reduced staffing;
Vulnerable Cohorts: Reviewing previous approach to vulnerable staff and prisoners
including whether a different approach is required for Māori / Pacific People;
Pandemic Exercises and Assurance Programme;
PPE – Corrections is storing 14 weeks’ worth of PPE (AL4 volumes) but will contract out
management of this stock to a logistics specialist to ensure it is stored safely and
distributed efficiently;
Readiness to re-establish the National Co-ordination Centre (NCC): implementing
immediate learning from our response.
Key perspectives
5
Corrections is in regular contact with key stakeholders, sector partners and unions to align
operational settings and decision making as much as possible, while acknowledging the
unique environment Corrections is required to manage.
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To: Hon Kelvin Davis, Minister of Corrections
Aide Memoire: Response to changes in COVID-19
Alert Levels
Date
12 August 2020
Decision and Timing No decision required
B number
B4051
Priority
High
Contacts
Name
Position
Contact number
First contact
Eamon Coulter
Response Manager
s 9(2)(a)
☒
Senior Adviser to the Chief
s 9(2)(a)
☐
Executive
Purpose
1
This Aide Memoire advises you of Corrections’ response to the change in COVID-19 Alert
Levels, which came into effect on 12 August 2020.
Corrections preparedness for changes in Alert Levels
2
In Aide Memoire B4033 we advised you of Corrections’ preparedness for any regression in
Alert Levels. This included the existence of a Pandemic Planning Working Group (PPWG).
This group has been meeting on a fortnightly basis to ensure that Corrections’ operational
settings are appropriate to the context of the COVID-19 risk. Each operational region has
also maintained a dedicated senior leader to oversee regional activity and lead assurance
processes. The PPWG’s workstreams have included:
Communications: Regular communication material to staff about the importance of
protecting our sites and not becoming complacent;
Human Resources: Guidance for staff to navigate COVID-19 issues;
Operational settings for each alert level: Keeping settings and changes updated to
ensure readiness for quick level changes if required and reviewing previous settings to
understand any improvements that could be made;
Site staffing models: Developing specific rosters with union partners to cater for potential
reduced staffing;
Vulnerable Cohorts: Reviewing previous approach to vulnerable staff and prisoners;
Pandemic Exercises and Assurance Programme;
PPE: Corrections is storing 12 weeks’ worth of PPE through regional hubs and
contracted storage to ensure it is stored safely and distributed efficiently;
Readiness to re-establish the National Co-ordination Centre (NCC): implementing
immediate learning from our response.
3
An important function of the PPWG has been ensuring that Corrections could activate the
Critical Incident Management Structure (CIMS) with immediacy if required. This structure
has previously been in place when we were operating under Alerts Levels 2, 3 and 4.
Changes in Alert Levels
4
On the evening of 11 August 2020, the Prime Minister announced that with effect from 12
noon Wednesday 12 August 2020, the Auckland Region (defined as Pukekohe to Wellsford)
would move to Alert Level 3 with the remainder of the country moving to Alert Level 2. These
new Alert Levels are to be in place for at least three days.
5
Subsequent to this announcement, Corrections’ Critical Incident Management Structure
was activated. This is now fully operational overseen by Rachel Leota, Controller and
Eamon Coulter, Response Manager. Regional Emergency Control Centres (ECCs) have
been activated in all four regions. In the case of the Northern Region, which includes all of
Auckland, the Controller is Regional Commissioner, Lynette Cave.
6
All Northern Region staff were directly emailed by the Regional Commissioner, Northern
Region on the night of 11 August 2020. This email outlined the operational measures that
would be in place at Alert Level 3 for prisons and Community Corrections sites within the
impacted Auckland Council boundaries. These are described below:
Northern Region - Community Corrections Sites and prisons (Alert Level 3)
Community Corrections sites located in Manukau District, Auckland District and
Waitemata District are closed.
The four prisons in the impacted area (Auckland Prison, Mt Eden Corrections
Facility, Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility and Auckland South
Corrections Facility) will not permit any visitors onsite unless they are essential
workers.
The separation and isolation units at the above four sites have been activated and
all staff working in these units and receiving offices must wear full PPE.
Northland Region Corrections Facility is also closed for private visits, with this
measure to be reassessed at close of business Wednesday 12 August 2020.
Operations elsewhere (Alert Level 2)
7
In relation to the remainder of the country, each prison site is in the process of assessing
its capacity to safely maintain any scheduled visits over the coming few days. They are
being supported in this assessment by their Regional Commissioners.
8
A key feature for all prisons is the resumption of 14 days separation for newly received
prisoners from midday Wednesday 12 August 2020. There are strict quarantine measures
in place for those who fail the screening test and/or are unwell.
Page
2 of
3
9
Community Corrections Sites remain operational under Alert Level 2. However, all
Community Work nationwide has been cancelled for the next three days as social distancing
cannot be guaranteed.
Other measures and activities
10 We have full confidence in the availability of PPE nationwide. This will continue to be
regularly assessed. All staff have been emailed and contacted regarding the impact of the
change in Alert Levels. This has included reiterating the need to remain at home if they feel
unwell.
11 The COVID-19 resource page on our intranet has been updated and further regular updates
will continue to be provided to staff.
12 Key stakeholders, including the Chief Ombudsman, have been directly contacted by the
Chief Executive Jeremy Lightfoot, regarding Corrections response to the change in Alert
Levels.
13 All sites are operating with appropriate staffing levels and staff across the country have
responded to the announcement calmly and professionally. The need for a calm and caring
approach has been reinforced in all communications.
Next Steps
14 Officials will keep your office updated on any significant change to Corrections’ operational
responses to COVID Alert Levels.
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These are the minimum requir
1
De
ements pa
that r Htm
AVE etn
o t of C
be delivere or
d rections Organisational Alert Level Descriptions
LEVEL
CUSTODIAL
COMMUNITY
ELECTRONIC MONITORING
• Provision of meals/personal hygiene activities
• Receipt and discharge of prisoners
• Public safety related breaches
• Realtime monitoring of high risk offenders
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Health service delivery wil be aligned to MoH guidelines • Court and NZ Parole Hearings
• 72 hour report in contacts to get details
and access to DHB services under each alert level.
• Statutory visits (such as VJ, Ombudsman, • Provision of advice to Courts and NZ Parole Board
Additionally, health service delivery wil be informed by
Inspectorate)
Wil continue regardless of level
staffing levels as set out in prison based BCPs
• Animal welfare
• Cel & prisoner security
Site visitors/Statutory visits
• Al CCS sites are closed and staff are working remotely
• Continue to deliver al usual monitoring services,
LEVEL 4 -ELIMINATE
• Face to face statutory visits continue (
with health and safety protocols in place) – al other face to face
• Al face to face report-ins and rehab programmes are paused –
where capacity and capability allow
visits, including NZPB and legal visits are conducted via alternative means of communication
phone reporting for al risk levels
• Monitoring of EM unit interference for high risk
• Al arrivals to a site,
including those that return from a temp visit (i.e. from court) – are managed in
• All Community Work is paused, discretionary non-management
people continues
Likely that disease is not
separate reception units for a 14 day period
for Low/Medium risk people in place
• Overnight monitoring of community detention is
contained
Programmes/Activities
• Sentence condition breaches paused
paused
• Community transmission
• No physical interactions –
alternative delivery mechanisms in place if possible
• Additional support in place for those that are dependent on us • ‘Prisoner First’ cal s diverted to staff working at
due to sentence conditions
home
is occurring
• Essential maintenance work continues –
with health and safety protocols in place
• Health services and unlock hours are subject to staffing levels –
maintaining health and safety
• No face to face contact for PAC reports –
phone/AVL
• AoD testing for reasonable cause is paused
• Widespread outbreaks
protocols
• No home visits for low or medium risk offenders; home visits
• Daily GIRT reports, Non-essential reporting, and
and new clusters
• Prisoner hardship enhancements are continually reviewed and improved, to support wel being
for high risk offenders continue –
with health & safety protocols
non-essential project work is paused
Site visitors/Statutory visits
For all people
• Continue to deliver all usual monitoring
LEVEL 3 - RESTRICT
• Face to face statutory visits continue (
with health and safety protocols in place) – al other face to face
• Al CCS sites are closed for report-ins and rehab programmes
services, where capacity and capability allow
visits, including NZPB and legal visits are conducted via alternative means of communication
are paused – Phone reporting for al risk levels is utilised,
• Monitoring of EM unit interference for high risk
• Al arrivals to a site,
excluding those that return from a temp visit (i.e. from court) where safety
existing rehab programmes that can be delivered remotely
people continues, for low and medium risk
measures have been used– are managed in separate reception units for a 14 day period
High risk that disease
continue
people this is paused
• Limited face to face contact for PAC/Psych/NZPB/Court reports undertaken for high and medium risk
is not contained
• Sentence condition breaches and Community Work paused
• ‘Prisoner First’ cal s are diverted to staff
people only –
with health and safety protocols in place
working at home
• Community transmission
• Limited staff are rostered at sites, to support NZPB or legal
Programmes/Activities
use of AVL to minimise staff exposure
• Limited AoD testing for reasonable cause
might be occurring
• No face to face large group activities are undertaken
• Work around for custody interviews for PAC reports in place,
continues –
prioritised on community and public
• New clusters may emerge
• Programmes/interventions are prioritised for those with intensive needs, those who are pending
and utilised where needed (esp. Low risk people)
safety, and where providers are available to
but can be control ed
release, and offenders where treatment has already started prior to restrictions
– delivered via
For Low Risk people
conduct these tests
through testing and contact
alternative methods wherever possible
• No home visits;
• Daily GIRT reports, Non-essential reporting, and
tracing
• Case Management support for parole readiness/release planning undertaken via phone
• Discretionary non-management in place
non-essential project work is paused
• Health services and unlock hours are subject to staffing levels –
health & safety protocols in place
For high and medium risk people
• Drug testing and the high risk mail teams are paused
• Home visits for high and medium risk offenders continue to
• Limited face to face chaplaincy support
- with health and safety protocols in place
be carried out –
with health and safety protocols in place
• Additional prisoner hardship enhancements are in place
• Limited face to face contact for PAC reports and other legal
• Essential face to face staff training continues –
with health and safety protocols in place.
matters continues
– with health and safety protocols in place
Maintenance/Industries
• Only essential maintenance and project work continues –
with health and safety protocols in place
Site visitors/Statutory visits
For all people
• Continue to deliver all usual monitoring services
LEVEL 2 - REDUCE
• Domestic visits are managed equitably, in smaller numbers –
where physical distancing can be enabled
• CCS sites are open and report-ins can continue as required
remotely as much as possible, where capacity
• Face to face statutory, legal and cultural/pastoral visits occur –
with AVL as an available option
• Enforcement of sentence conditions breaches can continue
• Limited rehab programmes, including group programmes,
and capability allow
Disease is contained, but the
• Face to face appearances for NZPB and Court hearings occur,
when requested or AVL as an option
continue –
safety assessed and with physical distancing
• Monitoring of EM unit interference for high risk
risk of community
• Temporary Releases (including guided release) continue –
where suitable and risks can be managed
• Custody interviews for PAC reports in place to be managed
people continues
transmission remains
• Inter prison transfers occur as required,
adhering to health & safety protocols
remotely, where possible
• Monitoring of EM unit interference for low and
• Household transmission
• New arrivals to site,
excluding those that return from a temp visit (i.e. from court) are managed in line with
medium risk is paused, unless capacity and
health & safety protocols
• Face to face contact psych and programmes interventions can
could be occurring
capability allow this to continue
Programmes/Activities
be delivered,
where alternative methods are not available
• Daily GIRT reports, Non-essential reporting, and
• Single or isolated cluster
• Programmes/individual treatments and interventions continue –
subject to the physical environment
• Continue to service Courts remotely or in person where
non-essential project work is paused
outbreaks
enabling sufficient distancing
requested
• ‘Prisoner First cal s’ are diverted to staff working
• Psych interventions and programmes are prioritised for offenders where treatment has already started
• Parole community enquiries managed remotely where possible
at home
prior to restrictions or those who are pending release –
with physical distancing
For low risk people
• CM support for parole readiness/release planning via face to face –
with health & safety protocols in place • Community Work continues, but in a limited capacity and
• Health services and unlock hours are increased
safety assessed (
including physical distancing)
• Staff training can continue, utilising technology where appropriate
For high and medium risk people
Maintenance/Industries
• Where staffing levels and safety allows, high and medium risk
• All essential and non-essential maintenance work continues –
with physical distancing
people continue to be managed as usual –
with physical
distancing
LEVEL 1 - PREPARE
• Project work can continue, in line with GPG guidelines, prioritised and supported remotely where possible
• Prison industries continue –
with physical distancing
Disease is contained in New Zealand
• All operations and services to operate at pre COVID-19 levels, with contact tracing and health • Thermal Cameras are in use at all prison sites and new • Staff reminded of hygiene and sickness management best practice
• COVID-19 is uncontrol ed
screening mechanisms in place.
arrivals to a site,
excluding those that return from a temp • Contact tracing mechanisms in place
overseas
• PPE must be used where there is a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19, and wil be
visit (i.e. from court) are managed in separate reception • Normal working arrangements to be resumed, noting that flexible
• Isolated household transmission
made available to any staff, person in our care and management or visitor who requests it.
units for a 14 day period
working arrangements are an option.
V4.0 05/06/2020
could be occurring in NZ
These are the minimum requir
2
De
ements pa
that r Htm
AVE etn
o t of C
be delivere or
d rections Organisational Alert Level Descriptions
CORPORATE
LEVEL
(including organisation-wide people settings)
REINTEGRATION & ACCOMMODATIOIN
PSYCHOLOGY, PROGRAMMES AND MENTAL HEALTH
• Payrol function
• IM/Supported Accommodation – Basic Needs
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• NZPB and Court Reports
• Supplier payments
• Remote OoG support
• AOD and Non-Violence Programmes
• Frontline recruitment + initial training
• Social distancing in shared accommodation
• Mental health provision, incorporating additional support as
• Projects delivering essential infrastructure
Wil continue regardless of level
required from psychology and programmes staff.
• Reactive maintenance
• Critical business processes
• Continue to find people approved addresses; continue to source Emergency
LEVEL 4 -ELIMINATE
• All staff (essential and non-essential) must work from home if
• All staff are working from home, including Programme Delivery
possible – additional supports implemented
Accommodation for released prisoners
& Psychs – phone contact for high/medium risk people
• Al face to face meetings are stopped –
utilise technology as
• No new admissions –
expect for those already pre-planned and with health and
• Programmes or support that are already underway completed
Likely that disease is not
alternative
safety protocols in place
via AVL, phone and email only
• Col ecting people released from prison is paused –
dependent on providers,
contained
• Medical assessments and drug tests for recruitment, and
• Face to face assessment, treatment, or reintegration planning
with health and safety protocols in place
is paused
• Community transmission is
random drug testing, are all paused
• Recruitment continues via remote mechanisms except for the
• The receipt of Returning Overseas Offenders is paused
• Face to face AOD services in community residential facilities
occurring
‘scope’ stage
• All employment, external outings, small group activities and visits for residents
continue to be delivered by contracted providers –
with health
• Widespread outbreaks and new
• Where training can be delivered online, this should continue
are paused
and safety protocols in place
clusters
• Non-essential projects are paused, whilst essential project
• Face to Face support and interventions are paused – phone based support and
• Non-violence programmes undertaken remotely via digital
work continues –
with health and safety protocols in place
interventions In place
platforms
• All staff training is paused,
unless it can be delivered online
• Staff-attended Community of Change activities are paused
• Establishment of new contracts is paused
• Continue to find people approved addresses; continue to source Emergency
LEVEL 3 - RESTRICT
• Non-essential staff must work from home – additional support
• Staff only have limited access to site/office for pre-arranged
implemented
Accommodation for released prisoners
(start transitioning emergency
times to complete high priority non contact work –
with health
• Additional support implemented for essential at risk staff (older
accommodation back to MSD)
and safety protocols in place
• New admissions received –
where capacity allows and with health & safety
High risk that disease
people or those with underlying health conditions) that
choose
• Psych interventions and programmes are prioritised for
to be at work
protocols in place
is not contained
offenders where treatment has already started prior to
• Al face to face meetings are stopped –
utilise technology as
• People released from prison col ected by contracted providers
, with health and
restrictions or those who are pending release –
delivered via non
• Community transmission
alternative
safety protocols in place
contact methods wherever possible
might be occurring
• Medical assessments and drug tests for recruitment continue –
• Receiving Returning Overseas Offenders continues –
with Corrections face to face • Psych mandatory assessments (NZPB, ESHA, Court) continue,
• New clusters may emerge but
where providers are available to process these tests
interactions not commencing before the end of their 14 day quarantine period in
with limited delivery of one to one / face to face interventions –
can be control ed through
• Random drug testing paused
NZ
with health and safety protocols in place
testing and contact tracing
• Recruitment continues via remote mechanisms except for the
• Essential external outings, small group activities and visits continue –
with health
• General Face to face assessments, treatment, or reintegration
‘Scope’ stage
and safety protocols in place
planning is paused –
alternative methods used
• Face to face essential training only continues if absolutely
• Essential employment for people under our management continues, non-essential • Face to face AOD services in community residential facilities
necessary –
with health and safety protocols in place
work is paused
continue to be delivered by contracted providers -
with health
• Where training can be delivered online, this should continue
• Face to Face support and interventions are paused – Phone based support and
and safety protocols in place
• Project work continues, prioritised accordingly –
with health
interventions In place
• Non-violence programmes undertaken remotely via digital
and safety protocols in place
• Critical staff training continues,
with health and safety protocols in place
platforms
• Establishment of new, and extension of existing contracts, continues to be
• Staff-attended Community of Change activities are paused
managed,
with health and safety protocols in place
LEVEL 2 - REDUCE
• Al non-essential NZ travel is stopped
• Continue to find people approved addresses; transition the sourcing of
• Programmes/individual treatments and interventions continue –
• Non-essential staff to work from home wherever possible
Emergency Accommodation for released prisoners back to MSD
subject to the physical environment enabling sufficient distancing
• New admissions received –
where capacity allows and with physical distancing
• Face to face Psych interventions and programmes are prioritised
Disease is contained, but the
• Face to face non-essential training is paused –
utilise technology
• People released from prison col ected by contracted providers
– with physical
for offenders where treatment has already started prior to
risk of community transmission
as alternative
• Face to face essential training continues –
with physical
distancing
restrictions, or those who are pending release
(1:1 or smal
remains
distancing
• Receiving Returning Overseas Offenders continues –
with Corrections
groups only, with physical distancing)
• Household transmission could
•
Medical assessments and drug tests for recruitment continue, as
interaction to commence fol owing their 14 day quarantine period in NZ
• Face to face Mental Health assessments, Court and NZPB reports
be occurring
does random drug testing –
with physical distancing
• External outings, small group activities and visits continue –
with physical
continue –
with physical distancing if alternative delivery
• Single or isolated cluster
• Project work continues –
with physical distancing
distancing
mechanisms unavailable
outbreaks
• Face to Face support and interventions (including employment) continue –
with
• Essential staff continue to work at prison sites, community and
physical distancing
other offices –
with physical distancing
• Critical staff training continues, with non-critical staff training being delivered
• Face to face AOD services in community residential facilities
online
continue to be delivered by contracted providers
• Establishment of new, and extension of existing contracts, continues to be
• Staff-attended Community of Change activities continue –
with
managed
physical distancing
LEVEL 1 - PREPARE
• All operations and services to operate at pre COVID-19 levels, with contact tracing and health • Thermal Cameras are in use at all prison sites and new
• Staff reminded of hygiene and sickness management best practice
screening mechanisms in place.
arrivals to a site,
excluding those that return from a temp
Disease is contained in New Zealand
• Contact tracing mechanisms in place
• PPE must be used where there is a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19, and wil be
visit (i.e. from court) are managed in separate reception
•
• Normal working arrangements to be resumed, noting that flexible
COVID-19 is uncontrol ed overseas
made available to any staff, person in our care and management or visitor who requests it.
units for a 14 day period
working arrangements are an option.
• Isolated household transmission
could be occurring in NZ
V4.0 05/06/2020
In Confidence
Aide Memoire: COVID-19 vaccine sequencing framework
To Hon Kelvin Davis, Minister of Corrections
Date
5 March 2021
Decision and Timing
No decision required
B number
B4117
Priority
High
Key contact
Juanita Ryan, Deputy
S 9(2)(a)
Chief Executive Health
Contact number
Second contact
Marian Horan, Manager
S 9(2)(a)
Strategic Policy
Contact number
Purpose
1
This aide memoire provides advice on the rationale for prioritising COVID-19 vaccinations for people in
prison and associated frontline staff. It provides you with suggested talking points should you wish to
contribute to the Cabinet discussion on the sequencing framework in relation to Corrections, for the
COVID-19 vaccine on 8 March 2021.
Cabinet has already established a tier system to manage the vaccine rol out
2
On 7 December 2020, Cabinet agreed to a COVID-19 vaccine sequencing framework, which is required
due to limited COVID-19 vaccine supply [CAB-20-MIN-0508].
3
On 1 March 2021, Cabinet was asked to make further decisions about prioritising the rol out of the
COVID-19 vaccine to more vulnerable groups and groups exposed to a higher risk of contracting
COVID-19 [CAB-21-MIN-0040]. A detailed tier system was proposed, which prioritises at-risk groups for
the vaccination rol out.
4
On 1 March 2021, Cabinet made decisions about prioritising vaccines for health workers in Tier 2a.
They made no decisions on who would be included in the remaining Tiers. Cabinet had previously
agreed to vaccinate border and MIQ workforces as well as their household contacts as Tier 1(a) and
Tier 1(b).
5
Cabinet also invited the Minister for COVID-19 Response, Hon. Chris Hipkins, and the Minister of
Health, Hon. Andrew Little, in consultation with the Prime Minister and other appropriate portfolio
ministers, to provider further advice to Cabinet on 8 March 2021 about priorities for the vaccination rol
out.
Cabinet’s upcoming decision on 8 March 2021 deprioritises vaccinating people at
prison sites
6
As a result of the 1 March 2021 decision, a new Cabinet paper has been lodged for discussion on 8
March 2021. This Cabinet paper suggests prioritising vaccinations according to the fol owing Tier
system:
Tiers that have already been agreed to
• Tier 1(a) – people working at a New Zealand border or in MIQ
• Tier 1(b) – household contacts of eligible border and MIQ workforce
• Tier 2(a) – frontline (non-border) healthcare workers interacting directly with patients
Proposed remaining Tiers
• Tier 2(b) - frontline healthcare workers interacting with patients. This includes Corrections’
staff at custodial and community-based residences
• Tier 3(a) – people aged 75 years and above
• Tier 3(b) – people aged 65 years to 74 years
• Tier 3(c) – disabled people and people with relevant underlying health conditions
• Tier 3(d) – people with a Community Services Card.
7
Tier 3c of the proposed sequencing framework wil prioritise vaccinations for disabled people and
people with relevant underlying health conditions. This means some of the people in our prisons wil be
vaccinated in tier 3c.
8
This is a shift from the sequencing framework in the Cabinet paper discussed on 1 March 2021. That
version of the sequencing framework proposed prioritising vaccinations for people in prison, people in
community residential facilities, and corrections frontline staff working with these groups. They would al
come under Tier 2b. Probation officers and other community corrections frontline staff were vaccinated
in Tier 3e due to their work face to face with vulnerable communities.
9
The revised sequencing framework also does not propose adjusting for age; Ministry of Health data
suggests that a 15-year adjustment for Māori and Pacific peoples is appropriate. For example, this
would mean a 50-year-old Māori woman would have the same access to the vaccine as a 65-year-old
non-Māori woman.
People in prison are considered to be vulnerable to COVID-19 outbreaks
10
Data on the health and living circumstances of people in prison suggests that these sites are vulnerable
to COVID-19 community outbreaks. Our view is that to protect their safety and that of their whānau and
wider community, people in prison settings and community residential facilities should be prioritised and
placed in Tier 2b of the sequencing framework.
11
We outline the reason for this view below and in the suggested talking points at Appendix One should
you wish to raise this as a priority health matter at the 8 March 2021 Cabinet meeting.
12
Probation officers and other community corrections frontline staff would appropriately be included in
Tier 3 as frontline staff who work closely with more at-risk groups in the community.
Risk factors for New Zealand prisons
13
People in our prisons are particularly vulnerable to the risks of contracting and transmitting COVID-19
because:
• People in prison have significant comorbidities. We have assessed the health needs of the
prison population using a risk profile that aligns to the Ministry of Health’s guidance and found
that 5.2% are highly vulnerable to severe COVID-19 infection, 65% have a medium vulnerability
and 30.4% have a low vulnerability.
• People in prison live in close proximity and 32% are double bunked (e.g. they share a cel ).
• Māori are significantly over-represented in prisons, at just over 50% of the total prison
population. As Treaty partners, we have obligations to enable equitable outcomes for Māori in
the vaccination programme.
Aide Memoire: B4117
2
• The prison population is ageing at a faster rate than the general population. Across the network
we have approximately 300 people over 65 years of age. Ministry of Health data also suggests
that a risk adjusted age factor of 15 years should be applied to Māori and Pasifika populations.
• Every week, there are hundreds of people from the community visiting a prison. This puts
people in prison at risk (particularly the high-risk groups referred to above) if community
transmission is occurring and undetected.
14
Corrections has a legislative duty to ensure the administration of sentences and orders is done in a
safe, secure, humane and effective manner. It is important that Corrections is supported to keep the
people under its management safe along with the communities they are a part of.
15
Many of the people in our prisons come from lower socio-economic backgrounds with poorer health
outcomes. It is important for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the people in prison to maintain those
positive social connections with their whānau, staff members, and communities. There is an opportunity
to minimise the risk of undetected transmission of COVID-19 among these communities if people at
prison sites were vaccinated.
Overseas experience suggests prison outbreaks can be devastating
16
In the United Kingdom, the prison population has seen roughly one out of eight people in prison
contracting COVID-19 compared to a one in 20 rate seen in the general population. This suggests a
prison environment is more conducive to spreading the virus due to the close living quarters and the
health profile of the populations in prisons.
s9(2)(g)(i)
Aide Memoire: B4117
3
Appendix One: Suggested Talking Points for 8 March 2021 Cabinet discussion on
COVID-19 Vaccine Sequencing Framework
s9(2)(g)(i)
s9(2)(g)(i)
Aide Memoire: B4117
4
s9(2)(g)(i)
s9(2)(g)(i)
s9(2)(g)(i)
s9(2)(g)(i)
Aide Memoire: B4117
5
In Confidence
Aide Memoire: Update on Corrections’ COVID-19 Vaccination Planning
To Hon Kelvin Davis, Minister of Corrections
Date
1 April 2021
Decision and Timing
No decision required
B number
B4132
Priority
Medium
Key contact
Juanita Ryan, Deputy
9(2)(a)
Chief Executive, Health
Contact number
Brigid Kean, General
Second contact
Manager, Operational
Contact number
9(2)(a)
Delivery
Purpose
1
This aide memoire informs you of Corrections’ progress on COVID-19 vaccination planning.
Frontline prison-based staff and people in prison wil be prioritised for COVID-19
vaccinations
2
On 8 March 2021, Cabinet agreed that:
• all frontline Corrections staff working in prison and community-based residential facilities will be
vaccinated in Group 2
• all people in prisons and community-based residential facilities within Counties Manukau wil be
vaccinated in Group 2
• all people in prison wil be vaccinated in Group 3.
3
Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Director-General of Health, confirmed this approach in a letter to Jeremy
Lightfoot, Chief Executive of Corrections, on 15 March 2021.
Corrections’ COVID-19 vaccination planning is progressing wel
4
According to the Ministry of Health, Corrections should expect to receive the vaccines for its Group 2
population around mid-April 2021. From May 2021 onwards, vaccines wil be available for Group 3
populations.
5
To ensure Corrections is prepared to administer the vaccines as soon as they are made available,
detailed implementation and planning with al prisons has commenced. We are working with Ministry of
Health to confirm whether we are able to use our chosen vaccination provider to vaccinate our staff.
6
Corrections wil be well placed to deliver the vaccination as we have significant health expertise within
our department nationally and at prison sites, and experience in delivering vaccinations to people under
our management. For example, between 1 January and 31 December 2020, 835 Measles, Mumps and
Rubel a vaccines were given to people in prison by Corrections’ Health Services Staff.
Corrections is stil working through several details
7
As with other agencies, Corrections is working through several issues relating to employment, consent,
and data collection and col ation. These issues include establishing:
• whether we wil find out if our staff have been vaccinated
• how to manage staff that choose not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine
• ways to ensure our approach to vaccinating staff and people in prison is agile, and we are able to
respond to a resurgence in community-transmission cases
• how to vaccinate a transient prison population. i.e, Mt Eden Corrections Facility can have
approximately 120 people received into or released from prison in one day.
8
On these issues and any others that arise, Corrections wil be guided by ongoing advice from Crown
Law, the Public Services Commission, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and the
Ministry of Health.
Next Steps
9
Corrections wil continue to develop site-specific implementation plans in preparation for the delivery of
the vaccines. We wil update you via the Minister’s Weekly Report on the progress of these
implementation plans, and once key decisions have been made.
Appendices
• Appendix One: Key messages
Aide Memoire: B4132
2
Appendix One: Key messages
Frontline prison-based staff and people in prison wil be prioritised for COVID-19
vaccinations
• This is because people in prison, due to their health and living circumstances, are particularly
vulnerable to the risks of contracting and transmitting COVID-19.
• Māori are significantly over-represented in prisons, at just over 50% of the total prison population.
As Treaty partners, we have obligations to enable equitable outcomes for Māori in the vaccination
programme.
Corrections’ COVID-19 vaccination planning is progressing wel
• Corrections is working at pace to ensure sites are ready to vaccinate.
• Vaccinations wil first take place for those that fal into Group 2 from March to May 2021, with the
Ministry of Health indicating we wil receive vaccines for our Group 2 people from mid-April.
• For Corrections, this includes all frontline Corrections staff working in prison (approximately 6,940
people) and in community-based residential facilities (numbers to be confirmed).
• It also includes all people in Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility (approximately 1,243
people), and Auckland South Corrections Facility and community-based facilities in Counties
Manukau DHB (numbers to be confirmed).
• Corrections wil have access to vaccines for 9,700 people in Group 2. This means that all eligible
people identified in this Group wil receive a vaccine.
• Vaccinations wil then take place for those that fal into Group 3. This means that al people in the
remaining 16 prisons wil be vaccinated from May 2021 onwards (approximately 7,510).
Corrections is well placed to deliver the COVID-19 vaccination
• Corrections has experience in delivering vaccinations to people under their management.
• Corrections has significant health expertise nationally and at prison sites.
• Enough storage and medical equipment required to deliver the vaccine has been ordered and is
expected to arrive in early April 2021.
• Each prison site has dedicated frontline health care staff who wil deliver the vaccines to people in
prison.
• Corrections’ implementation plan wil be guided by its Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and wil
consider opportunities to partner with iwi, mana whenua and Māori providers to support vaccine
roll out.
• Corrections is working to finalise the provider that wil deliver the vaccine to its frontline staff.
• A health promotion communication campaign has commenced focusing on our staff, and wil soon
expand to include the people under Corrections’ management.
• Corrections has established a project team, consisting of health, legal, custodial, health and
safety, employment and communications experts, to develop and oversee the delivery of the
implementation plan, and report to Corrections’ Executive Leadership Team regularly.
• Corrections is working closely with its union partners and elected health and safety
representatives.
Aide Memoire: B4132
3
There are stil key details to be worked through
• Corrections is working closely with, and following the advice of, other agencies to ensure its
planning is aligned with the wider Government approach, particularly on details relating to
employment, consent, and data col ection and col ation.
• Corrections wil be updating me regularly as key decisions continue to be made.
• Corrections is working with the Ministry of Health to confirm whether they can use their chosen
vaccination provider to vaccinate their staff.
Aide Memoire: B4132
4
Document Outline
- MIN1059 Ti Lamusse (OIA).pdf
- COMBINED_Redacted.pdf
- B4051 attachment - Corrections_Alert_Level_Descriptions_v4(2).pdf
- B4117 - MARKED - Ryan.PDF
- Marked - B4132 - Aide Memoire Update on COVID-19 vaccination planning.PDF
- B4132 - Aide Memoire Update on COVID-19 vaccination planning.pdf