Correctional Service Canada (CSC) advises that 34 inmates and three staff members from Dorchester Penitentiary medium-security unit in New Brunswick have tested positive for COVID-19 on either a rapid test or a PCR test. We are closely monitoring the situation, and measures are in place to minimize the spread of the virus within the institution.
Contact tracing is ongoing and testing for COVID-19 is being offered to inmates and staff within the medium-security unit. CSC is currently using rapid tests to help detect positive cases more quickly and take necessary actions accordingly. Inmate testing numbers are available on our website. The number of active cases currently reported for this institution may change as more testing is conducted and laboratory-confirmed results are available.
This is an evolving situation and we will continue to apply infection prevention and control measures to prevent and contain the spread of COVID-19 and adapt based on public health advice.
We continue to actively screen all individuals entering the institution, and decisions regarding access to the site as well as programs and services are made in consideration of public health principles. All staff and inmates are equipped with medical masks, and we have increased cleaning and disinfecting throughout the site. In addition, all staff are equipped with face shields.
We are committed to reducing the risks of COVID-19 in all of our operations and keeping inmates, our employees, and the public safe. We work with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), local public health, as well as unions and stakeholders to take any further steps needed to ensure everyone's safety.
We continue to offer vaccinations to inmates at all federal correctional institutions. Close to 86% of inmates at Dorchester Penitentiary medium-level security unit are fully vaccinated and over 88% have received their first dose.
In light of the recent increase in COVID-19 activities in New Brunswick, family visits are temporarily suspended at Dorchester Penitentiary. During this time, options are available to inmates to connect with their family and support networks such as video visitation or telephone.
