Almost 500 prisoners and officers test positive as Covid runs rampant in Qld jails

Almost 500 prisoners and officers have tested positive to Covid across Queensland jails at the same time as officers are suspended for not meeting the vaccination deadline.

Almost 500 prisoners and officers have tested positive to Covid as authorities battle to limit the spread of the virus in Queensland’s jails.

Queensland Corrective Services today said 200 prisoners and 279 officers had tested positive.

There are also 487 prisoners and 145 officers who are isolating as close contacts.

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

The Courier-Mail has been told a significant number of Covid-positive prisoners are in the state’s remand centre Arthur Gorrie jail.

The Arthur Gorrie Correctional centre.

At the same time 100 officers have been suspended after refusing to provide proof of 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% 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,” a QCS spokeswoman previously said.

Queensland Corrective Services last week suspended visits to the state’s jails as Covid cases increased around the state.

“Virtual personal visits remain available subject to movement restrictions within the centres,” QCS said in a statement.