Ten staff members and seven prisoners test positive for Covid at Doncaster prison

Ten members of staff and seven prisoners were infected as of yesterday, with inmates forced to self-isolate in their cells.

John Hewitson, Prison Director at HMP Doncaster, which is run by Serco, said: “There are a small number of staff and prisoners who have tested positive at HMP Doncaster since mid-November.

“Our priority is to look after everyone in the prison and we are working closely with Public Health England, our healthcare provider and the Director of Public Health for South Yorkshire and we are grateful for all the support that we are receiving.

“As well as the support for prisoners that we are providing with the healthcare team, we are taking all necessary measures to limit the spread of the virus. Anyone who tests positive is being given further personal care and support as appropriate.”

All new arrivals at the prison are tested in a bid to prevent the spread of Covid-19 among fellow inmates and members of staff.

An enhanced cleaning regime has been introduced and face protection has been issued throughout the prison.

HMP Doncaster is a resettlement prison for up to 1,145 male inmates, including around 200 young offenders aged 18-20.

The aim of resettlement prisons is to prepare inmates, particularly those serving less than 12 months, for release into the community at the end of their sentences.

Most of the prison population is made up of offenders from South Yorkshire.