Months after outbreak at Mission Institution, two employees test positive for COVID-19
Posted September 15, 2020 7:45 pm.
Last Updated September 15, 2020 7:52 pm.
MISSION (NEWS 1130) — After being ravaged by a massive outbreak of COVID-19 this year, the Mission Institution is confirming two more employees have tested positive for the virus.
From early April to late May the federal prison suffered one of the worst outbreaks in Canada’s correctional system, with more than one hundred inmates testing positive after the virus quickly spread throughout the medium-security federal prison.
One man died in hospital and dozens of inmates and staff members were infected with the virus before the outbreak was officially declared over in late May.
According to Correctional Service Canada the employees that tested positive did not have any direct contact with inmates, and the infections are not being considered as an outbreak.
“We are collaborating with public health authorities to conduct contact tracing to ensure that close contacts are self-isolating at home and additional testing is conducted, as needed,” a statement to NEWS 1130 reads. “We are monitoring the situation closely and diligently, and continue to apply our infection prevention and control measures.
After being ravaged by a massive outbreak of COVID-19 this year, the Mission Institution is confirming two employees have tested positive. The two employees did not have any direct contact with inmates, and the infections are not being considered an outbreak. @NEWS1130
— Tarnjit Kaur Parmar (@Tarnjitkparmar) September 16, 2020
Employees entering the institution are continuing to be screened and will be equipped with the appropriate personal protective equipment and masks.
“We continue to raise awareness of COVID-19 among inmates and employees, including prevention measures, how to recognize symptoms and protocols to follow,” the statement adds. “We are committed to reducing the risks of COVID-19 in all of our operations and keeping our employees, offenders, and the public safe. We will continue to work with our public health partners, as well as engage with unions in taking the necessary steps to ensure everyone’s safety.”
– With files from Tarnjit Parmar
