All visits to prisons have been suspended by the Northern Ireland Prison Service in response to the latest Covid restrictions imposed by the Executive.
The prison service announced a suspension of face to face visits in response to the measures announced by the Executive on Wednesday.
Earlier this week a prisoner in Maghaberry tested positive for Covid-19, with a number of other inmates currently isolated and being monitored by medical staff.
In a statement, the service said a Maghaberry prisoner reported a high temperature on Tuesday and was "immediately tested and placed in isolation" pending the result.
It was the first positive coronavirus case detected in the prison since the pandemic began. All new inmates or those moving outside the prison for hospital visits have been forced to isolate in solitary confinement for two weeks.
While it was the first positive case, it is the second time visits have been suspended in Northern Ireland's prisons.
During the first wave of the pandemic in March face-to-face visits were suspended for a period of time.
Zoom technology was used to keep those prisoners with young families in touch with their loved ones during that time. The online service is expected to be offered again for the duration of the latest suspension.
Director General Ronnie Armour said, "Following a discussion with the Justice Minister and in response to the announcement by the Executive, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has re-instated a number of measures to mitigate the risk against Covid-19 in our three prisons.
"From 6pm on Friday October 16, all in-person visits will be temporarily suspended and only essential staff will be permitted access to a prison unless agreed through the local governor.
"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".