A COVID-19 outbreak has hit a Mission prison in a big way.
The Correctional Service of Canada said in a statement that 97 inmates at Mission Institution have tested positive for COVID-19.
“The health and safety of our employees, inmates, and the public continue to be our top priority,” said the statement. “We are closely monitoring the situation, and measures are in place to minimize spread of the virus within the institution.”
COVID-19 testing is being offered to inmates and staff.
The number of inmate active cases currently reported for this institution is based on either rapid tests or PCR tests, the CSC said, adding that the number may change as more testing is conducted and laboratory-confirmed results are available.
“This is an evolving situation and we continue to apply and reinforce infection prevention and control measures to prevent and contain the spread of COVID-19, and adapt based on public health advice,” said the statement.
All staff are provided with appropriate personal protective equipment, including gowns, gloves, medical masks, respirators, and face shields.
“All inmates are provided medical masks and are encouraged to wear them at all times when not in their cells,” said the statement.
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CSC said it has been vaccinating inmates since January 2021.
“All individuals entering the institution are screened, and decisions regarding access to the site as well as programs and services are made in consideration of public health advice,” said the statement.
Regularly scheduled visits may be affected.
Mission Institution is a multi-level security facility. The rated capacity of the medium-security unit is 324.
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