LISTEN: Five prison officers test positive for Coronavirus

by Peter Moor and PA.

Five prison officers in Northern Ireland have tested positive for Covid-19, justice minister Naomi Long has said.

Speaking to Stormont's justice committee, Ms Long said her thoughts are with them and their families.

She added that no prisoners in Northern Ireland have tested positive for the virus.

Naomi Long

There are just over 1,500 prisoners in Northern Ireland, but a number were given temporary release amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Ms Long said infection control measures have been put in place within custodial environments, including precautionary isolation for new committals as well as personal protective equipment for staff.

"None of the prisoners or young people in our care have tested positive for Covid-19," she said.

"Five prison officers have tested positive for Covid-19 and our thoughts are with them and with their families at this difficult time."

Ms Long also confirmed that 8 of the 120 prisoners released from NI jails as part of Covid-19 response measures have been sent back to prison for not complying with regulations, mostly relating to drugs and alcohol.