BY IAN CROUCH

Cessnock Gaol has been placed into lockdown after it was revealed several prisoners had mixed with inmates at Sydney’s Parklea Prison who have since tested positive to Coronavirus.

Staff at the gaol were advised of the situation yesterday and  are now wearing full personal protective equipment when dealing with inmates.

It’s understood a total of 12 inmates were in a non-quarantine area of Parklea along with infected prisoners before being sent to Cessnock.

The Acting Corrective Services Commissioner has ordered an investigation into how the Parklea prisoners, who were not fresh arrivals, contracted the virus.

Cessnock Gaol is on high alert for COVID-19