MAPLE CREEK – Four women at Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge for Women in Saskatchewan have tested positive for COVID-19, says the Correctional Service of Canada.
This is an evolving situation and CSC says they 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.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and measures are in place to minimize spread of the virus within the institution,” said Roxane Braun, spokesperson for CSC Regional Headquarters, Prairie Region on Tuesday.
All incarcerated individuals are provided medical masks and encouraged to wear them at all times when not in their rooms. Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting throughout the site is continuing. The staff are provided with Personal Protective Equipment including gowns, gloves, medical masks, respirators, and face shields when required to wear them at all times when not in their rooms.
CSC says they have been vaccinating inmates since January 2021 and all offenders, including new admissions to CSC, are being offered the vaccination at all institutions. As part of the ongoing vaccination process, boosters are also being offered.
All individuals entering the institution are self-evaluating for COVID-19 symptoms.
Regularly scheduled visits may be affected due to covid, said CSC.
“We are committed to reducing the risks of COVID-19 in all of our operations,” said Braun. “We will continue to work with the Public Health Agency of Canada, local public health, as well as unions and stakeholders to take any further steps needed to ensure everyone's safety.
Okimaw Ohci Healing Lodge for Women is a multi-level security facility, in Maple Creek and has a capacity of 60.
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