HMP Bristol has confirmed a number of positive coronavirus cases - but hasn't released an exact number.
On Friday, a court heard a wing at HMP Bristol was reported to be under lockdown - but a spokeswoman for the MOJ said there was no major outbreak at the jail, other than "one or two" cases.
However, a source has since been in touch with Bristol Live claiming there were at least 12 staff members who had tested positive for coronavirus at the prison in Horfield - with around 30 to 40 self-isolating - as well as at least 15 prisoners.
In response to this, the Prison Service has issued the following statement: “Our priority is to limit the spread of the virus and to protect the lives of those who live and work in our prisons.
“We have taken precautionary measures at HMP Bristol following a number of positive cases, in line with public health guidance, and will continue to closely monitor the situation.”
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The source - who wished to remain anonymous - claimed the prison governors cared more about public image than their staff or prisoners.
They said: "It’s so disrespectful to belittle numbers like they have.
"It’s an insult to the hard working officers for them to say that it’s not a problem."
The source claimed they were expected to carry on as normal despite raising concerns to the governor.
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They also claimed there was nothing to support staff and limited personal protective equipment (PPE).
HMP Bristol has a capacity of 505 and governor James Lucas has been in charge since July 2019.
The prison was originally built in 1883, but there have been numerous additions, extensions and renovations since then.
It serves the courts of Bristol and the South West and most prisoners remain at Bristol for less than 12 months.
