Covid outbreak in Midlands Prison confirmed

FIVE inmates on the A2 Landing of the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise have been diagnosed with Covid-19.

The Irish Prison Service (IPS) has confirmed the prisoners have tested positive and said they are taking steps to protect other inmates' safety.

In a statement the IPS said: “Prisoners have been isolated in line with infection control procedures.

“The Irish Prison Service is working closely with Public Health and the CHO 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 further possible spread of the disease within the prison.”