Coronavirus – Two prison workers at same jail die after suffering virus symptoms sparking fears of outbreak behind bars
TWO staff members at London's Pentonville Prison have died from coronavirus, it emerged tonight.
Bovil Peter and Patrick Beckford were both support staff workers at the jail, and were believed to be in their 60s.
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Prison Officers' Association chairman Mark Fairhurst said: "My thoughts and prayers are with everybody involved with these tragic deaths - two at the same prison is very concerning."
Mr Fairhurst said he did not know if either of the men had any underlying health conditions.
He described Mr Peter as "an experienced member of staff" who was working at operational support grade at the prison, and "he died earlier this week due to Covid-19 symptoms".
Mr Fairhurst added of Mr Peter's death: "I just want to highlight the fact that this (Covid-19) puts us all at risk.
"We are on the front line doing a commendable job on behalf of society and he will be sadly missed by all his colleagues.
"We wish the best for his family and friends."
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The tragic news will fuel fears the deadly disease could spread out of control through Britain's jails.
It was announced earlier today that up to 4,000 "low risk" criminals are to be released early in a bid to stop coronavirus tearing through prisons.
Inmates within two months of their release date will now be temporarily back on the streets.
The Government say it will help boost the NHS by avoiding thousands of prisoners getting infected.
They explained lags are currently sharing cells, making it an easy environment for the disease to spread.
Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary Robert Buckland QC MP said: “This Government is committed to ensuring that justice is served to those who break the law.
“But this is an unprecedented situation because if Coronavirus takes hold in our prisons, the NHS could be overwhelmed and more lives put at risk.
“All prisoners will face a tough risk assessment and must comply with strict conditions, including an electronic tag, while they are closely monitored. Those that do not will be recalled to prison.”
Today, a five-year-old child became the UK's youngest coronavirus victim after 708 more people died on the deadliest day yet - bringing the total to 4,353.
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Previously, Britain's youngest coronavirus victim was "very healthy" 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, who died in hospital in London on Monday.
The NHS confirmed the oldest patient who died in 24 hours was aged 104 and 40 of the latest virus victims had no existing medical issues.
Meanwhile, positive coronavirus cases have today risen from 38,168 to 41,903, the Department of Health revealed.