COVID-19 outbreak at Grand Valley Institution for Women
Posted Apr 28, 2022 03:52:37 PM.
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is reporting a COVID-19 outbreak at the Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener.
Three inmates have tested positive in the multi-level security institution, which has a capacity of 215.
The last outbreak at the institution was in 2020.
The CSC notes that COVID-19 testing is being offered to inmates and staff, and for the time being all employees are required to perform rapid self-tests to prevent further spread.
“This is an evolving situation and we 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,” the news release reads. “The health and safety of our employees, inmates, and the public continue to be our top priority. We are closely monitoring the situation, and measures are in place to minimize the spread of the virus within the institution.”
They have continued with enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, and all staff have access to PPE, including medical masks, respirators and face shields. All inmates are provided medical masks and encouraged to wear them when not in their rooms.
The CSC has been vaccinating inmates since January 2021.
“All offenders, including new admissions to CSC, are being offered the vaccination at all institutions. As part of the ongoing vaccination process, a third dose, or booster, is also being offered.”
Everyone who enters the prison is screened as well, and decisions regarding access to the site are made in consideration of public health advice.
“We are committed to reducing the risks of COVID-19 in all of our operations. We will continue to work with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), local public health, as well as unions and stakeholders to take any further steps needed to ensure everyone's safety.”
