THE RIGHT TO HEALTH IN PRISON: RESULTS OF A NATIONWIDE SURVEY AND REPORT Preventive and Control Measures (Q: i and j91) 3.75 In terms of being provided with protective gear by the prison management, 75 per cent (660 staff) stated that they were provided with facemasks, 71 per cent (624 staff) were provided with surgical gloves while only 26 per cent (233 staff) stated that they were provided with hand sanitizers. 86 per cent (762 staff) agreed that facemasks were very important to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases in prisons, while 81 per cent (715 staff) felt that wearing gloves were also important to prevent disease transmission. 3.76 However, the Commission observed that not all prison staff were provided with face masks and/or gloves, and that the ones provided were of inferior quality and incapable of effective protection against infections such as tuberculosis. The Commission advises that in order to prevent prison staff from inhaling bacilli, they should be given and wear a special highly effective face-mask when exposed to prisoners with infectious tuberculosis. 3.77 In terms of control measures, 89 per cent (785 staff) were of the view that the most effective action for new prisoners is an active health screening followed by quarantine: 81 per cent (716 staff). 3.78 Reviewing a prisoner’s previous medical record: 69 per cent (611 staff), and relying on a prisoner’s self-reporting: 68 per cent (603 staff) were also considered as effective control measures. Vaccination (Q: k92) 3.79 Based on the findings, 43 per cent (378 staff) stated that the authorities did not provide regular vaccination for staff, while 24 per cent (210 staff) stated that they were provided with regular vaccinations; 21 per cent (181 staff) stated that they received seasonal vaccinations (such as H1N1). Refer to Question I and j. Question i: The respondents were asked regarding on the preventive gear provided by the prison. The answer were given either hand sanitizer, face mask, gloves or others. Question j: The respondents were asked regarding on their action to prevent risk of exposure to communicable diseases. The answer were given either using gloves, using face mask, using hand sanitizer, avoid body contact or others. 92 Refer to Question k. The respondents were asked if they received any vaccination during working in prison. The answer were given either yes, no, unsure or receive seasonal vaccination. 91 57