Covid outbreak in two prisons sees visits suspended and rollout of mass testing

Cells and landing area in Cork Prison. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Covid outbreaks in two prisons have forced the suspension of physical visits and the introduction of widespread mass testing for inmates and staff.

It follows confirmation from the Irish Prison Service (IPS) that 92 prisoners from the A and B divisions in Cork Prison had, as of Monday evening, tested positive for Covid-19, while 12 prisoners in Arbour Hill Prison had tested positive for the virus by Tuesday.