The Irish Prison Service says that all prisoners and staff will be tested for Covid-19 following an outbreak in Midlands Prison in Portlaoise.
In a statement released this evening, the Irish Prison Service says that five prisoners on the same wing in the jail have tested positive.
815 prisoners and staff will now be tested. The prison had avoided any cases in the first wave.
They said: “The IPS can confirm a small number (five) of prisoners have tested positive for Covid-19 in the Midlands Prison.
“The prisoners have been isolated in line with infection control procedures.
“The IPS is working closely with Public Health and the Community Health Office testing team in the HSE and contact tracing is ongoing.
“The positive cases relate to one area of the prison and all prisoners accommodated in this area and staff who are assigned to this area have been tested.
“All other prisoners and staff in the Midlands Prison are being tested as a precaution.
“An Outbreak Control Team (OCT) meeting has taken place to review the cases and agree the appropriate actions to be taken to mitigate against the further possible spread of the disease within the prison.”
