Youth with Covid-19 remanded in custody in Northern Ireland

Special measures to keep him isolated from the rest of the population in Hydebank Wood Secure College near Belfast are expected to be taken.

Detailed procedures prepared in advance will be “carefully followed”, the Northern Ireland Prison Service said.

A spokesperson said: “Following a court appearance, a young man who has tested positive with Covid-19 in the community has been remanded to Hydebank Wood Secure College.

“The Prison Service are fully prepared for this and have in place detailed processes and procedures which will be implemented and carefully followed.

“The safety of everyone at Hydebank is paramount, and the young man will be fully supported by prison staff and our healthcare partners while he recovers from the virus.”

A number of prison officers have tested positive for the virus, justice minister Naomi Long said previously during an appearance before her scrutiny committee.

No other inmates have returned a positive result.

A number of prisoners have been given temporary release during the pandemic to reduce the number behind bars. Ms Long has said infection control measures have been put in place within custodial environments, including precautionary isolation for new committals as well as personal protective equipment for staff.