Corrections Victoria has provided the following information:

… effective Friday 9, September:

• prisoners will only be considered close contacts where they share a cell or cottage with a COVID positive prisoner during their infectious period
  • previously we defined close contacts based on their accommodation unit or level of interactions across the site
• prisoners who are identified as close contacts can choose not to quarantine
• prisoners who choose not to quarantine will be required to test daily for seven days and wear a mask when leaving their shared cell or cottage
• where prisoners do not test they will be required to quarantine
• prisoners who choose to quarantine will not be granted Emergency Management Days

Alongside the easing of restrictions we are continuing to work closely with Justice Health and our health service providers to ensure that we support prisoners to access vaccinations and early intervention therapies, to minimise the risks to them if they contract COVID-19.   

We appreciate that the widespread transmission of COVID-19 on site over the last few months has been incredibly challenging for prisoners, their families and our staff.  These measures are a first step to major easing of our restrictions.  Whilst there are no changes to other quarantine requirements, we are continuing to actively review these settings in consultation with our expert health advisers and expect to make further announcements at a later date.

A fact sheet for prisoners in relation to close contacts is attached.

A fact sheet for prisoners in relation to quarantine and isolation is attached.