Social visits have been stopped at a Salford prison after a 'small number' positive coronavirus cases.
As reported in the M.E.N both staff and inmates at Forest Bank, a Category B prison in Agecroft, have tested positive for COVID-19.
In a statement Prison Governor, Matt Spencer, said: "Over recent weeks, efforts have been made at HMP Forest Bank to ease the lockdown measures put in place to defeat the coronavirus pandemic
"However, we are now currently experiencing a small number of positive Covid-19 cases in both resident and staff groups at the prison and must take immediate and appropriate action to contain the local outbreak, as well as limit the risk of widespread infection.
"Following Public Health England (PHE) advice, a number of measures have been introduced to reduce movement across Forest Bank and to ensure the safety of all residents and staff. This includes suspending all social visits as of today (Wednesday 14 October).
"This decision has been made reluctantly, knowing that it will impact the lives of many people, however, the prison remains a high-risk environment due to large groups of people living and working in close proximity to one another, so is necessary for a short period.
"All restrictions will be reviewed on Monday 26 October, based upon expert public health advice and will remain in place as long as is necessary."
The prison has capacity for 1,460 prisoners and is run by Sodexo Prison Services.
