
corona jail 10 prisoners test positive for Covid-19 in Midlands Prison as outbreak confirmed
Ten prisoners in Midlands Prison have tested positive for Covid-19 in the latest round of mass testing at the Portlaoise prison.
These positive cases came after mass testing in Ireland’s largest prison initiated due to three prisoners testing positive earlier this week.
“The Irish Prison Service can confirm that following the completion of first round mass testing in the Midlands Prison, 10 positive cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed amongst the prisoner population,” an Irish Prison Service spokesperson said in a statement.
“Following the confirmation of positive prisoner cases, the Irish Prison Service and Midland Prison management have implemented a comprehensive contingency plan to prevent the spread of Covid-19 to the wider prison population.”
A number of staff at the 800-inmate facility also tested positive for the virus in recent weeks.
A second round of mass testing will be conducted at the prison next week, along with the introduction of a “restricted regime” across the prison as part of a “major logistical operation” to control the outbreak.
“The Irish Prison Service is continuing to work closely with HSE/Public Health and arrangements are being made with the HSE for the re-testing of all prisoners and staff, in order to provide an assured response to the current outbreak in Midlands Prison.
“This will support a return to a more normal prison regime as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.
The Prison service acknowledged family members of inmates held at the prison will be “concerned” for the safety of prisoners and said: “We want to assure you that our Prison Staff and Healthcare Team are doing everything they can to protect the people in their custody.
Prison Staff will only contact the next of kin where a prisoner has tested positive for Covid-19, the Irish Prison service said.
Download the Sunday World app
Now download the free app for all the latest Sunday World News, Crime, Irish Showbiz and Sport. Available on Apple and Android devices
Online Editors
Top Videos






Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud.
Latest Irish News
- Gardaí break up street party in Limerick housing estate as flares set off and videos show dozens partying
- Ireland records lowest number of daily Covid-19 infections since mid-December
- Eoghan McDermott is expected to part ways with RTE's 2FM after six years
- Covid-19 infections in hospital staff have dropped by around 95pc, says Health Minister
- Man (40s) dies following collision with lorry in Louth
Latest
- Manchester City close in on all-time winning record with 21st straight victory
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer promises ‘realistic and responsible’ business in the summer
- Roy Hodgson hopes former Eagles star Aaron Wan-Bissaka takes flight with England
- Gardaí break up street party in Limerick housing estate as flares set off and videos show dozens partying
- Manchester City leave it late to beat Wolves and make it 21 wins in a row