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One inmate and two staff members at the Edmonton Institution have tested positive for COVID-19, Correctional Service Canada announced Saturday.
In a news release, Correctional Service Canada (CSC) said they are closely monitoring the situation and measures are in place to limit the spread of the virus at the men’s maximum security facility located in northeast Edmonton.
“Contact tracing has been completed and testing for COVID-19 is being offered to all inmates and all staff at the institution, the release states. “CSC is currently using rapid tests to help detect positive cases more quickly and take necessary actions accordingly.”
According to CSC, all individuals entering the facility are screened. All staff and inmates are provided with medical masks and staff are also equipped with face shields.
“Decisions regarding access to the site as well as programs and services are being made in consultation with public health authorities,” the release states.
The institution has a capacity of 324 inmates. To date, 145 inmates and 199 staff and contractors have been vaccinated for COVID-19.
Prisoner populations in the province grew through the second wave of the pandemic, when the system saw its first major outbreaks.
