Bowden Institution (file photo)

By Sheldon Spackman

Staff And Inmates Affected

COVID outbreak at Bowden Institution

Apr 22, 2021 | 11:21 AM

Mass testing and contact tracing is underway for staff and inmates at the Bowden Institution after a COVID-19 outbreak was declared at the facility on April 18.

Officials with Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) say the health and safety of employees, inmates and the public remain a top priority during the pandemic.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Correctional Service of Canada has worked with local public health authorities, unions, Public Health Agency Canada, and other stakeholders, such as the Canadian Red Cross, to prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” reads a statement from CSC.

“As of April 20, 2021, there were two active inmate cases of COVID-19 and seven active staff cases at Bowden Institution. Inmate testing and results are reported on our website.”

CSC officials say measures are in place at Bowden Institution, including medical isolation of inmates who test positive, modified institutional routine to minimize close contacts, suspended visits, increased use of personal protective equipment, enhanced cleaning measures and monitoring and testing staff and offenders.

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“We have dedicated health services in our institutions with the equipment needed to monitor and treat inmates. When an employee becomes symptomatic or tests positive for COVID-19, they are required to self-isolate at home until cleared to return to work,” the statement continues.

CSC is currently rolling out the second phase of its vaccine strategy in accordance with National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) guidelines.