Hundreds of criminal justice experts are calling on the government to take 'unprecedented' action and immediately release prisoners where it is safe to do so to avoid deaths from coronavirus in custody.
Since then, New South Wales - which has been hardest hit by the virus, accounting for almost half the country's 5,900 cases - passed emergency legislation allowing for some of the state's 14,000 prisoners to be released if it is"reasonably necessary because of the risk to public health".
"We have seen deaths in overcrowded prisons in the US and the UK, when immediate action has not been taken to address the coronavirus pandemic."Stefan Armbruster/SBS News Meanwhile, in Australia, 1,200 medical professionals appealed to Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton and acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge, calling for their release.
So far, there have been no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Australian prisoners or people in immigration detention.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nine new cases of coronavirus confirmed in TasmaniaNine new cases of coronavirus are confirmed in Tasmania as the state records its third death.
Read more »
China reports no new coronavirus deaths for first time since JanuaryChina on Tuesday reported no new coronavirus deaths for the first time since it started publishing figures in January, the National Health Commission said.
Read more »
Coronavirus updates LIVE: Global COVID-19 cases surpass 1.2 million, Boris Johnson in intensive care unitIf you suspect you or a family member has coronavirus you should call (not visit) your GP or ring the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
Read more »
Coronavirus updates LIVE: Global COVID-19 cases surpass 1.2 million, Boris Johnson remains in hospital following diagnosisMore signs have emerged that the crisis may be easing in Europe, as New York officials said they were considering temporarily burying the dead in one of the city's public parks if the capacity of morgues was overwhelmed. Follow our live coverage here:
Read more »
Coronavirus updates LIVE: COVID-19 cases pass 1.2 million worldwide, UK PM Boris Johnson in intensive care'If you suspect you or a family member has coronavirus you should call (not visit) your GP or ring the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.'
Read more »
Coronavirus updates LIVE: COVID-19 cases pass 1.2 million worldwide, UK PM Boris Johnson in intensive care'If you suspect you or a family member has coronavirus you should call (not visit) your GP or ring the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.'
Read more »