Red Deer Remand Centre (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Sheldon Spackman

Keeping Things In Check

Health officials addressing COVID-19 outbreak at Red Deer Remand Centre

Jan 26, 2021 | 4:43 PM

Health officials are continuing to keep a close eye on a COVID-19 outbreak identified at the Red Deer Remand Centre (RDRC).

On Jan. 25, officials with Alberta Health Services (AHS) confirmed one active inmate case at RDRC related to the current outbreak, with no new cases identified since Jan. 18.

“A total of 31 positive cases, including one staff member, are associated with this outbreak,” Melissa Ballantyne, AHS communications spokesperson, tells rdnewsNOW.

“Isolation and monitoring of the positive cases is underway as per Public Health direction. All inmates and staff have been tested for COVID-19.”

Ballantyne says contact tracing for anyone potentially exposed to positive cases at the facility is also ongoing.

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“The facility is on outbreak status; all inmate units are isolated. All movement between units has been suspended. Infection prevention and control measures are in place, including enhanced cleaning and PPE protection.”

Ballantyne further points out that staff undergo COVID-19 symptom screening prior to each shift.

“Inmates are monitored and assessed at minimum, twice daily by AHS staff. All report only mild symptoms, if any at all. Continuous health teaching and mental health supports are provided for both staff and inmates.”