A number of staff and two prisoners have tested positive for COVID-19 at a Dublin prison, it has been confirmed.
A mass testing programme will be conducted in Arbour Hill Prison in the city centre after the positive coronavirus cases were confirmed.
An Outbreak Control Team has been deployed at the prison and the Irish Prison Service say they are working with the HSE to get the outbreak under control.
They have also confirmed this evening that some scheduled phone and video calls may be affected by the outbreak.
A statement from the IPS read: "The Irish Prison Service can confirm a small number of staff in Arbour Hill Prison have tested positive for COVID-19 and contact tracing is continuing in this regard.
"The Irish Prison Service can further confirm that 2 prisoners have also tested positive for the virus.
"As a precaution, the Irish Prison Service are in agreement with the HSE Public Health that all staff and prisoners will be tested in order to provide an assured response to the current situation in Arbour Hill Prison.
"Arbour Hill Outbreak Control Team (OCT) continues to engage with Prison Management to oversee appropriate actions to mitigate against further possible spread of the disease within the prison.
"The Irish Prison Service is working closely with HSE Public Health with regard to the management of the current outbreak including arrangements for the mass testing of all staff and prisoners in Arbour Hill Prison.
"To help prevent the further spread of infection a more restricted regime has been introduced which may impact on access to video visits and phone calls in the short term for prisoners in precautionary isolation however we are working to ensure that we can continue to facilitate family contact as far as possible."
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