Scots prison in lockdown due to major Covid outbreak as all inmates isolate

A Scots prison has gone into lockdown with all inmates isolating due to a major coronavirus outbreak.

There are currently 97 confirmed cases of the virus at HMP Perth - a rise of 85 since Wednesday when the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) confirmed 12 cases.

As a precautionary measure all of the inmates at the jail are currently isolating while mass testing is carried out.

This means prisoners do not have access to court or solicitor visits, family visits or use of the gym but do have access to open air and showers, as well as their mobile phones and the hall phones.

Cases have jumped significantly since SPS released details of the outbreak on Wednesday with all inmates now isolating, compared to just 224 earlier in the week.

It is the latest outbreak at Perth nick after it struggled to cope with the disease when it was at its peak in 2020.

A further update on the outbreak is not expected until Monday.

A SPS statement said: "The safety and wellbeing of all those living and working in our establishments is a priority for the Scottish Prison Service.

"We are currently managing an outbreak in HMP Perth. There are currently 97 confirmed cases of COVID amongst those in our care at HMP Perth. A significant number of these individuals are asymptomatic positives.

"As a precautionary measure, all individuals living in HMP Perth are currently isolating whilst mass testing is carried out.

"This means that they will not have access to courts or agents visits, family visits or the gymnasium. Individuals will have access to open air and showers, as well as their mobile phones and the hall phones.

"We continue to work closely with Public Health colleagues in managing these cases.

"A further update will be provided on Monday."

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