64 officers, eight inmates test positive to Covid-19

More than 60 officers and eight inmates have Covid-19, with hundreds more in isolation as authorities work to stop an outbreak in Queensland prisons.

Sixty-four officers and eight prisoners have Covid-19 and 200 more are isolating as authorities battle to stop an outbreak in the state’s jails.

Queensland Corrective Services tonight said there were 184 officers and 19 prisoners isolating who were deemed close contacts.

The 64 officers include custodial corrections staff who work in jails every day, as well as other Queensland Corrective Services employees.

“All COVID positive prisoners contracted COVID-19 as a result of transmission in the community but it was detected in the isolation areas of correctional centres as a result of Queensland Corrective Services’ strong planning and robust processes,” a Queensland Corrective Services spokeswoman said.

It comes as about 100 officers have so far been suspended for failing to show their vaccination status.

Officers have been told they must already have one vaccination and have their second dose by January 24.

“A small percentage of officers who work in correctional centres, equating to less than 2 per cent of the eligible workforce (approximately 100), have so far failed to provide proof of vaccination status, and have been placed on suspension pending disciplinary processes,” the spokeswoman said.

“Correctional Centres have adjusted their rostering to cover for the officers who are on suspension, as well as the larger group of officers who have been told by Queensland Health to self-isolate as a result of social exposure to positive cases.

The spokeswoman said all jails were reviewing their service delivery models and adjusting them as needed to keep jails safe.

“We strongly encourage those officers who are yet to be vaccinated to do so at the first available opportunity, to protect themselves, their colleagues and their families against Covid-19,” she said.