Convicts test positive as prison deals with Covid outbreak

A coronavirus outbreak has been confirmed at a prison in Ayrshire.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran confirmed it was working with prison staff to deal with the situation at HMP Kilmarnock.

The Ardrossan Herald reported that several custody cases had to be continued to a later date at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court today, Tuesday, February 9.

Joy Tomlinson, the health board’s joint director of public health, said: “NHS Ayrshire and Arran Health Protection Team is working closely with HMP Kilmarnock following confirmation of a number of coronavirus (Covid-19) cases.

“All relevant Public Health measures are in place and our Public Health Team is working with local Environmental Health Officers to manage and monitor the situation.

“We appreciate this is a worrying time for many people however HMP Kilmarnock frequently manages cases of infectious diseases using tried and tested procedures, and will continue to use these approaches to protect inmates and staff.

“To respect and maintain patient confidentiality it is not possible to release any further information at this time.

“We would like to remind people of the symptoms of Coronavirus (Covid-19): new persistent cough; high temperature; and / or loss of taste and smell. Anyone who develops any of these symptoms should book a test and self-isolate immediately.”