Five Covid-positive prisoners in Queensland jails

Queensland Corrective Services has confirmed that five prisoners in the state’s jails have tested positive to Covid, while others are in isolation.

Prisoners have tested positive to Covid-19 in Queensland’s jails, with others placed in isolation.

Queensland Corrective Services today said they had five Covid-positive prisoners in custody who were all new receptions from the community.

At least one of the prisoners is in Brisbane Correctional Centre, according to officers.

“The management of these prisoners, and a number of prisoners in isolation statewide as a result of presenting with Covid-like symptoms, is a matter for Queensland Health,” a QCS spokeswoman said.

Five prisoners have tested positive to Covid in Queensland jails. Picture: David Clark

“Like every large employer, we are responding to the rapidly changing Covid situation. We are working closely with Queensland Health to make appropriate decisions to ensure the safety and security of our centres. The safety of our officers is an absolute priority.

“Every centre across the state has extensive plans in place to manage the scenarios posed by Covid and the unique risks of the virus in prison environments.

“All decisions are being made in consultation with Queensland Health.”

The spokeswoman said every prison had a personal protective equipment.

“All officers working in Queensland correctional centres are required to have had at least one vaccination, and to be fully vaccinated against Covid by January 24,” the spokeswoman said.

“Correctional Centres have adjusted their rostering to cover for the officers who are absent from the workplace, including those who are self-isolating as a result of social exposure to positive cases.

“Every prisoner in Queensland has been offered vaccination, and anecdotally the uptake amongst prisoners is higher than the general public.

“New prisoners are placed in isolation for a period and offered vaccination upon reception into a correctional centre.

“Every month approximately 1000 people are released from prison in Queensland, and roughly the same number enter the system, so there is a rolling program of vaccination managed by Queensland Health.”