Correctional Service Canada (CSC) advises that 28 inmates at Matsqui Institution in British Columbia have tested positive for COVID-19. The health and safety of our employees, inmates and the public continue to be our top priority. 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. Employees are required to perform rapid self-tests and attest to a negative result in order to prevent possible spread at the institution. Inmate testing numbers are available on our website. The number of inmate active cases currently reported for these institutions are based on either a rapid test or a PCR test. 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. All staff are provided with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including, for example, 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. Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting throughout the sites is continuing.
