AUTHORITIES are working to battle an outbreak of coronavirus in a prison.

Restrictions across Lewes Prison are being enforced amid an outbreak of cases within the inmate population.

It is understood that all the cases are confined to one wing of the prison in Brighton Road.

The Argus understands the outbreak has caused disruption to court hearings due to take place over video link.

A Prison Service spokeswoman said: “Our priority is to limit the spread of the virus and protect the lives of those who live and work in our prisons.

“We have taken precautionary measures at Lewes, in line with public health guidance, and will continue to closely monitor the situation.”

The latest figures from the Prison Service indicated that for the week ending January 11, 498 prisoners across England tested positive for the virus.

Prisons Minister, Lucy Frazer QC MP, said: “I am proud of the staff, who are keeping prisoners safe and doing their best to keep them occupied with their innovative ideas.

“Just as the whole government is taking action to control the rapid spread of the virus in the wider population, we will double down on our efforts in jails, helped by the national roll-out of the vaccine.

“As always, my priority remains to limit the spread of the virus to save lives and prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed.”