(Government of Canada)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

LOCKDOWN OVER

Flu-like symptoms prompt lockdown at Drumheller Institution

Mar 27, 2020 | 8:44 PM

UPDATE (March 28 – 4 p.m.)

Correctional Service Canada says a lockdown at its medium security institution in Drumheller has ended.

The lockdown had been put in place as a precaution because two inmates had shown flu-like symptoms.

One was tested for COVID-19 and the results came back negative.

“After clinical assessment, one inmate was tested for COVID-19 at Drumheller Institution and the result is negative. Symptomatic individuals are tested if they meet the public health criteria for testing,” a release states. “The local public health authority makes all decisions regarding swabbing. As part of protocols, inmates with symptoms are isolated from the general inmate population as a preventative measure.”

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There are currently zero cases of COVID-19 within Canada’s correctional institutions.

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A lockdown has been initiated at Drumheller Medium Security Institution.

The lockdown is a precautionary measure after some inmates showed symptoms consistent with influenza, according to Correctional Service Canada.

“The health and safety of our employees, offenders and the public is our top priority,” a release states. “While we currently have no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our institutions, we continue to take preventative measures, and assess and test any offenders as required.”

CSC remains in close contact with its public health partners and continues plan, monitor and engage with authorities during this time.

According to the Canadian Press, COVID-19 testing done earlier this month on a group of less than 10 inmates at Bowden Institution south of Red Deer came back negative.

An official says one unit of the prison near Innisfail remains locked down, but other parts are operating under a modified routine.