The Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) said the decision was made “following a discussion with the Justice Minister” and in response to further restrictions announced by the Northern Ireland Executive.

All in-person visits will be suspended from 6pm on Friday 16 October and only essential staff will be granted access to a prison “unless agreed through the local Governor”.

Ronnie Armour, director general of the prison service, said: “Our focus remains the safety of the people working in our prisons and those in our care.

“The restrictions are a proportionate response to the increased community transmission and will be reviewed in four weeks in line with the timeline set out by the Executive.”