An Examination of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Prisons and Jails in Oceania

ABSTRACT

This article highlights the unique nature of the Oceanic region and its impact on the extent of COVID-19 outbreaks in the Oceanic region, both within correctional and community settings. Mitigation strategies implemented in Australia, New Zealand, Papa New Guinea, and Fiji are identified, and the reasons for the differences we identified in how governments in this region defined the problem, and developed mitigation strategies, are explored.

KEYWORDS:

• international
• prisons
• corrections
• Pandemic
• Alternatives to incarceration
• Early release mechanisms
• Prison reform
• COVID-19

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. As of August 27, 2020.

2. As of August 27, 2020.

3. This number is based on data reported in March of 2020.

4. Low-risk is in reference to the nature of the crime for which the inmates were incarcerated.

5. See the country-specific reports for both countries included in this volume.