"It is the largest cluster but it is because there was the largest campaign of tests, underlines the interregional direction of the penitentiary services of Paris, region Ile-de-France.
We tested over 600 people.
As soon as we test, we find cases.
"
The Villepinte remand center is the largest Covid cluster in prison, with 179 positive detainees out of the 988. "We went up to 202 on January 1," said Thursday morning to AFP Michaël Merci, the director from prison.
A large number discovered following a massive screening carried out two days earlier.
On the staff side, 28 cases were counted out of the 260 staff.
"There is no serious form," continues the interregional directorate of prison services in Paris, Ile-de-France region.
We follow the protocol, just like outside.
The detainees are isolated for seven days and then retested.
"
According to the local FO-prison representative, “two wings in two different buildings are dedicated to inmates with Covid.
To enter, you must have a mask and an overcoat ”.
Whether for the staff or the inmates who continue to work there, as for the distribution of meals.
The detainees are therefore isolated and no longer have access to visiting rooms.
All group activities and workshop work have also been canceled.
Prisoners who have contracted the Covid can, however, go out for a walk together.
"Their isolation is not a punishment, they understand it"
“There is a dialogue that takes place when the meals are distributed,” says the administration.
We take their news.
For two years, we have been used to it and we have learned to manage.
We explain to them the reasons for their isolation, it is not a punishment, and they understand it well.
"
“The communication was well made, underlines the local representative FO-penitentiary.
There is no particular tension.
"
For all cases detected on December 30, isolation will end on January 9.
"If within 15 days there is no epidemic resumption, we will be able to reduce the restrictions", hopes Michaël Merci.
At the same time, vaccination campaigns are carried out in the remand center, offered by doctors from the health unit.
Twice a month, depending on the administration.
“There are detainees who are not vaccinated, others if, with a complete vaccination schedule or not.
"
The visiting rooms are maintained for the other prisoners, with a plexiglass wall over the entire height.
Interviews with lawyers are subject to the same protocol.
“The protocol is traditional, describes Me Arié Alimi.
We go there normally.
There is gel available, the obligation to wear the mask.
There is a plexiglass window.
On the other hand, if lawyers and visitors benefit from protective measures, this is not at all the case for detainees in contact with infected people.
"
"There is a lot of flow," indicates the interregional directorate of prison services in Paris, Ile-de-France region.
We equip detainees with surgical masks.
The Villepinte remand center records 180% overcrowding.
Despite the Covid, and the cluster, "detainees arrive every day, continues the trade unionist for his part.
As in all prisons, we are understaffed and with the Covid, it is growing.
"
Nationally, 863 contaminations were detected among some 70,000 detainees and 1,029 among staff out of around 40,000, according to figures, stopped on January 4, communicated this Thursday by the ministry.
