An inmate has tested positive to coronavirus at a Melbourne jail, sparking concerns about the risk of the disease spreading behind bars.
The man was being held in isolation at the Melbourne Remand Centre and returned a positive test on Friday. He doesn't have any symptoms.
Any staff members or other prisoners who may have come into contact with him will be tested as a precaution, the justice department says.
The inmate went into corrections custody on Monday.
New pandemic measures mean all new custody arrivals are held in isolation for 14 days and tested.
It is understood this case is considered a low risk of transmission.
Lawyers have repeatedly raised concerns about the risks of COVID-19 getting into the prison system.
The Australian Lawyers Alliance says people on remand for non-violent offences or because they don't have a home address, as well as prisoners aged over 65, should be released.
"Since the COVID-19 crisis broke we have said that prisoners are at grave risk of becoming infected and that the poor sanitary conditions of prisons around Australia means COVID-19 could spread quickly if it enters a prison," alliance spokesman Greg Barns said.
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service voiced concerns on Friday about the impact of a prison outbreak on Indigenous Australians, who are over-represented in the system.
The organisation urged the state government to consider "responsibly releasing" people from custody if they are low risk and nearing the end of their jail term.
The Victorian Greens have also called on the state government to release low-risk prisoners, with MP Tim Read describing them as "sitting ducks".
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. News and information is available in 63 languages at
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