Mass testing of all prisoners and staff is underway.
The Irish Prison Service is managing covid outbreaks at both the Midlands and Portlaoise Prisons.
Seven inmates from C Division in Portlaoise Prison have tested positive, while one inmate from the G Division of the Midlands Prison has contracted the virus.
Outbreak Control Teams have been set up at both facilities and each division is operating on a restricted regime until mass testing of prisoners and staff is complete.
Visiting has also been restricted while testing is underway.
🚨#UPDATE🚨
— Irish Prison Service (@IrishPrisons) December 30, 2021
>> 4 Active Outbreaks <<
Positive Prisoners ⤵️
Mountjoy Prison - 22
Wheatfield Prison - 0
Portlaoise Prison - 7
Midlands Prison - 1
Mass testing for staff and prisoners ongoing
Full Statement ⤵️#Covid_19 https://t.co/JLcZECB1sH
The Outbreak Control Teams and prison management have implemented additional infection control measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 to the wider prison population.
The local outbreaks are among four currently being handled by the Irish Prison Service.
Elsewhere, 22 cases have been confirmed among prisoners and staff at Mountjoy.
A high rate of positive cases have been detected among staff members at Wheatfield Prison in Dublin.
A third round of staff testing is underway.
To date, there are currently no positive prisoners at Wheatfield and both physical and video visits remain in operation under strict infection control measures.
Status Yellow Fog Warning Issued For Midlands Tomorrow
Offaly Author Releases Book On County's Place In Irish History
Offaly Branch Of Charity Double Donations In Christmas Campaign
Music Generation Offaly Release Christmas Single
Midlands Youth Clubs Open Doors For Oíche na hÓige
Laois TD Highlights Importance Of Housing Defence Forces Veterans
Laois People Crowned Most Hardworking In Ireland
Westmeath Steakhouse Closing Down Over Rising Costs
Minister For Children Launches Community Families In Offaly
Campaign To End Gender Based Violence Launching In Westmeath
Ryanair Slam World Cup Price Gouging Claims
Madness Leads First Line-Up Announcement For Award Winning Laois Festival
Midlands Weather Warning Lifted As Frosty Conditions Continue
Six People Held In Relation To Missing Garda Drug Seizure Released
Housing Commencements Continue To Fall In Midlands
Offaly Man To Launch Book On Slieve Bloom River
Midlands Couple Call For Political Intervention On Housing Development
Midlands Communities Gather To Object Wind Farm Plans
Five Couples Remain In Limbo Over Future Midlands Homes
Russian Spy Ship Near Irish Waters