20 November 2020
Contact-tracing is underway after a Prison Officer from HMP La Moye tested positive for COVID-19. The affected officer is following public health guidance and isolating at home with the rest of their household.
Out of respect for their privacy, no further personal information will be released about the individual at this time.
Currently, 28 Prison Officers are isolating as a precaution while contact tracing takes place. Their roles are being covered by Prison Officers who have not been affected by the positive case.
There is no evidence that COVID-19 is active within HMP La Moye, and no prisoners have been affected.
As a precaution, the States of Jersey Prison Service (SoJPS) has today suspended all social visits for prisoners. This step has been taken to follow the latest Government of Jersey health guidelines and physical distancing requirements issued this week.
During this time, prisoners will be able to undertake video visits with their family members, following the installation of terminals back in March. This facility provides prisoners with free access to ensure they can maintain important family contact. Prisoners also have access to contact their family members through their in-cell phones.
Nick Watkins, Acting Governor of SoJPS said: "These measures are vital to protect the health of our staff and prisoners, and to ensure that we are all playing our part to minimise the spread of COVID-19. We have well-prepared plans to deal with the absence of staff in a scenario such as this.
"We are keeping the Independent Prison Monitoring Board (IPMB) informed of all measures we are taking to look after the well-being of prisoners and our staff."
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