Prisoner at Maghaberry tests positive for COVID-19 and all in-person visiting to be suspended

By Q Radio News

The Prison Service has confirmed a positive case of COVID-19 in the population of Maghaberry Prison.

A prisoner reported having a temperature yesterday and was immediately tested and placed in isolation pending his test result which has come back as positive.

The young man is being cared for by prison staff and Healthcare.

A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Prisons Service said "Track and trace was quickly instigated with one member of staff being told to self-isolate as a precaution."  

"The prisoners on the landing are being supported by staff and monitored by medical staff from the South Eastern Trust.  The Prison Service continues to monitor the situation."

Meanwhile, as part of the new restrictions announced by the Northern Ireland Executive,  in-prison visits are to be suspended.

Director General Ronnie Armour said, “Following a discussion with the Justice Minister and in response to the announcement by the Executive, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has re-instated a number of measures to mitigate the risk against Covid-19 in our three prisons.

“From 6pm on Friday 16th October all in-person visits will be temporarily suspended and only essential staff will be permitted access to a prison unless agreed through the local Governor.

“Our focus remains the safety of the people working in our prisons and those in our care.  The restrictions are a proportionate response to the increased community transmission and will be reviewed in four weeks in line with the timeline set out by the Executive.”