Covid-19 outbreaks confirmed in four prisons

The Irish Prison Service has confirmed it is managing outbreaks of Covid-19 in Wheatfield, Mountjoy, Midlands and Portlaoise prisons.

A number of staff and prisoners have tested positive for the virus in Mountjoy, Midlands and Portlaoise prisons, while the high rate of staff positives detected in Wheatfield has led to a third round of staff testing.

There are 22 confirmed cases among prisoners in Mountjoy where a restricted regime is in place until mass testing of staff and prisoners is complete.

Mass testing

Fourteen prisoners have tested positive in Portlaoise, while six prisoners received positive test results in the Midlands Prison, where restricted regimes are also in place pending further testing of prisoners and staff.

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According to the Irish Prison Service, both video and physical visits remain in operation for all prisons across the State.

Where there is an active outbreak of the disease, a restricted regime is implemented until mass testing is complete.