Two prisoners have coronavirus as 28 others show symptoms

Two prisoners have tested positive for coronavirus at HMP Kilmarnock.

The Scottish Prison Service says they haven’t required hospital treatment.

It also said there are 28 other inmates across the prison estate in Scotland who have not tested positive but who are symptomatic.

“We can confirm that two prisoners with HMP Kilmarnock have tested positive for COVID-19,” said a Scottish Prison Service (SPS) spokeswoman.

“We are working closely with Health Protection Scotland and NHS colleagues to support to support those in our care and are following their advice.”

The news comes as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed that six patients have now died after being diagnosed with coronavirus in Scotland.

Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, she said as of 9am there is now 266 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Scotland, up 39 from the figure of 227 reported on Wednesday.

The Scottish Prison Service says there are currently no restrictions on movement and that prisons are continuing to operate visits as normal.

“Clinically-led protocols for the management and care of those who contract COVID-19 are in place, and advice and guidance about steps which should be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have already been issued to staff and those in our care,” said the SPS spokeswoman.