The first prisoner has tested positive for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland Prison Service has confirmed that a man who was in custody at Maghaberry Prison tested positive for the virus on Thursday, September 3.
The prisoner has been separated from the main population to ensure the safety of staff and other prisoners.
A spokesperson for Northern Ireland Prison Service said: “A man remanded into the custody to Maghaberry Prison on Thursday (3 September) has tested positive for Covid-19.
“As with all new committals during the pandemic he was separated from the main prisoner population to ensure the safety of staff and other prisoners.
“He is being cared for by our staff and colleagues from the South Eastern Trust. His family have been informed.
“This is the first positive test of a prisoner in Northern Ireland.
“The robust processes put in place in response to the pandemic have ensured this has been contained, and the Prison Service will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone in our prisons during these challenging times.”
