Public visits to Her Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut will officially resume from Monday, July 13, 2020, while church visits will resume a day earlier on Sunday, July 12, 2020, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

The Ministry said that for public visits, the days would be Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm and from 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm, while churches will maintain at their regular time.

However, with the resumption and in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Her Majesty's Prison has also taken further steps to ensure that internal health and safety measures are observed.

No entry to persons with COVID-19 symptoms

"As such, no more than two persons will be permitted to visit an inmate at a time. Additionally, all visitors are advised that they must wear a face mask when visiting the prison. Upon arrival, all visitors will have their temperature checked by the Gate Officer with an infrared thermometer," the Ministry said.

Persons with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above, with COVID-19 symptoms such as persistent cough or sneeze, will not be permitted to enter the facility the ministry noted.

All visits to the facility will be done by appointment only and must be made at least 24 hours in advance of the visit and all visitors must present a valid picture ID upon arrival.

Visits to Her Majesty's Prison were restricted effective Thursday, March 19, 2020, with the exception of emergency situations as part of a Cabinet backed plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the facility.