About 40 inmates in Cloverhill Prison in Dublin are being tested for Covid-19, as they have symptoms of the virus.
So far one prisoner has tested positive, and the rest are waiting for their results.
The Irish Prison Service says all staff and inmates will now be tested, as it manages the outbreak.
🚨#BreakingNews 🚨
Cloverhill Prison Covid-19 Outbreak!!
🔴 One positive prisoner confirmed
🔴 Significant number of symptomatic prisoners
🔴 Testing has commenced
Full Statement⤵️#Covid_19 @OIP_Ireland @IPRT @DeptJusticeIRL https://t.co/P2U3lSBbYT— Irish Prison Service (@IrishPrisons) November 10, 2021
The Irish Prison Service is currently managing an active outbreak of Covid-19 in Cloverhill Prison. To date, a significant number of symptomatic prisoners have undergone testing and are awaiting test results. The Irish Prison Service can confirm 1 (one) prisoner in the B Division has tested positive for Covid-19.
The Irish Prison Service says a Cloverhill Prison Outbreak Control Team (OCT) has been mobilised and is engaging with Prison Management to oversee appropriate actions to mitigate against possible spread of the disease within the prison.
In a statement it says: "The Irish Prison Service is working closely with HSE Public Health with regard to the management of the current outbreak and they have agreed to undertake the mass testing of all staff and prisoners in Cloverhill Prison.
"To help prevent the further spread of infection a more restricted regime has been introduced for Cloverhill Prison which may impact on access to video visits and physical visits in the short term for prisoners however, we are working to ensure that we can continue to facilitate family contact as far as possible."