Thunder Bay – NEWS – Two inmates at the Thunder Bay District Jail have tested positive for COVID-19.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) and the Ministry of the Solicitor General confirm that an outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared at the following facilities in Thunder Bay.
- Thunder Bay Jail, 285 MacDougall Street – Facility Wide
- Thunder Bay Correctional Centre, 2351 Highway 61 South – Male Unit
The outbreak declaration is being made in accordance with provincial guidelines, two individuals associated with the facilities have recently been confirmed to have COVID-19. Working with the Ministry of the Solicitor General, TBDHU will continue to monitor and assess the situation. Further measures, including expanded precautions will be taken as needed to manage this situation.
A spokesperson for the Solicitor General’s office tells NNL, “The ministry can confirm that a second inmate transferred to the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre from the Thunder Bay Jail has tested positive for COVID-19.
“Out of an abundance of caution, Thunder Bay Jail remains locked down while contact tracing continues. Measures during facility lockdowns can vary from the suspension of visitors to postponement of inmate programs and limiting time outdoors. Lockdowns are lifted when it is safe to do so.
“An inmate that tests positive is placed under droplet precautions and isolated from the rest of the inmate population while they receive appropriate medical care. The ministry is working with local public health to support contact tracing. As added precaution, voluntary testing of staff as well as inmates is underway.”
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit does not comment on specific cases.
A source at OPSEU tells NNL that correctional officers were notified, and there is sufficient PPE for officers.
