KENORA - Two inmates have tested positive for COVID-19 at a northwestern Ontario jail, a spokesperson with the Ministry of the Solicitor General has confirmed.
In an emailed statement, Kristy Denette writes there are two positive cases of COVID-19 among the inmate population at the Kenora Jail.
“In cases where inmates have tested positive for COVID-19 immediate precautionary containment measures are taken in accordance with operating procedures including deep cleaning of impacted areas and notifying the local medical officer of health and provincial health professionals,” Denette said on Monday, June 8.
She explained institution health care staff are working under the direction of the local medical officer of health to manage the situation including containment strategies.
Denette said safety measures to protect inmates and staff have been implemented at all correctional facilities including requiring staff to wear personal protection equipment, temperature checks for staff and visitors, working with local public health units to test inmates and staff when needed, housing new inmates in a separate area from the general populate for 14 days, and increased cleaning measures.
“The government continues to evaluate all options to limit the possible spread of COVID-19 within our correctional system,” she said. “Our priority remains the health and safety of our staff and all those in our custody.”
