Covid-19 in the Prison System - February 28th, 2022
Press Statement
Covid-19 in the Prison System
28 February 2021
The total number of prisoners that have tested positive for Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic is 984. Given the current level of prevalence of the virus in the community the Irish Prison Service now faces an unprecedented challenge in continuing to keep prisoners safe from infection. The Prison Service has managed 19 Covid-19 Outbreaks within a prison setting since November 2021, of which, 19 have been successfully stood down.
The Irish Prison Service announced that it has increased the number of physical visitors to prisons to three (3) persons from Monday 14th February 2022. The three visitors may include up to two children (Under 18 years of age).
Prisoners are entitled to receive 1 physical visit per fortnight. Prisoners will also be able to avail of a video visit during the week that they are not receiving a physical visit. Prisoners may choose to avail of a video visit instead of a physical visit if they prefer.
Visits will continue to be subject to infection control measures including the wearing of a prison issued face mask. While the restricted capacity of the visitor waiting area have been removed in line with the recent government decision on social distancing, visitors are asked to continue to make an effort to social distance, if possible.
The Service is working closely with Public Health, HSE with regard to the management of the current outbreaks including testing arrangements for staff and prisoners if required. At all points, Outbreak Control Teams (OCT) are guided by advice from local Public Health clinicians and meetings with Public Health are convened at regular intervals throughout the course of each outbreak.
Castlerea Prison (Stood Down 28/02/2022)
The Irish Prison Service can confirm (46) prisoner from the A Division in Castlerea Prison have tested positive for Covid-19. An Outbreak Control Team was established and the A Division completed two rounds of prisoner testing. Public Health and the Outbreak Control Team are in agreement to stand down the outbreak and return the A Division to a normal prison regime.
Cloverhill Prison (Stood Down 24/02/2022)
The Irish Prison Service can confirm (39) prisoner from the E Division in Cloverhill Prison have tested positive for Covid-19. An Outbreak Control Team was established and the E Division completed two rounds of prisoner testing. Public Health and the Outbreak Control Team are in agreement to stand down the outbreak and return the E Division to a normal prison regime.
Mountjoy Prison (Stood Down 24/02/2022)
The Irish Prison Service can confirm (48) prisoner from the B Division in Mountjoy Prison have tested positive for Covid-19. An Outbreak Control Team was established and the B Division completed two rounds of prisoner testing. Public Health and the Outbreak Control Team are in agreement to stand down the outbreak and return the B Division to a normal prison regime.
Limerick Prison (Stood Down 17/02/2022)
The Irish Prison Service can confirm (3) prisoner from the C Division in Limerick Prison have tested positive for Covid-19. An Outbreak Control Team has been established. A first round of testing was completed resulting in 1 additional positive prisoner. Public Health and the Outbreak Control Team are in agreement to stand down the outbreak and return the C Division to a normal prison regime.
Midlands Prison (Stood Down 16/02/2022)
The Irish Prison Service can confirm (26) prisoner from the G Division in the Midlands Prison have tested positive for Covid-19. An Outbreak Control Team has been established and the G Division completed a first round of testing resulting in 26 positive prisoners. A second round of testing was carried out and no additional positives have been detected. Public Health and the Outbreak Control Team are in agreement to stand down the outbreak and return the G Division to a normal prison regime.
Irish Prison Service
