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

Abstract

This article examines country-level variations in the extent of COVID-19 outbreaks in prisons and jails across the African region. Differences in the use of front-end, in-prison, and back-end mitigation strategies are identified. We conclude our regional overview by providing a preliminary assessment of the short-term impact of these varied mitigation strategies on inmate and staff health outcomes, including both physical health and mental health. Both the intended and unintended consequences of governmental responses to COVID-19 outbreaks are considered.