Abbotsford women’s prison declares COVID-19 outbreak

Eleven inmates at the Fraser Valley Institute in Abbotsford have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Canadian Corrections Service (CSC).

In a press release issued Wednesday morning (November 30), the CSC said in-person visits at women’s prisons had been temporarily suspended, but visits to minimum security units were not affected. Stated.

CSC said other options are now available for inmates to connect with family and friends.

Authorities said the prison case was confirmed by a PCR test.

“The numbers are subject to change as more tests are conducted and laboratory-confirmed results become available,” the release said.

“This is an evolving situation and we will continue to apply and strengthen infection prevention and control measures to prevent and contain the spread of COVID-19 and adapt based on public health advice.”

All staff will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment, including gowns, gloves, medical masks, respirators and face shields, as needed, according to CSC.

All inmates are provided with medical masks and encouraged to wear them at all times when not in solitary confinement. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection throughout the site continues, according to CSC.

CSC has been vaccinating inmates since January 2021, according to a press release.

“All offenders, including new admissions to CSC, are being offered vaccinations at all institutions. Boosters are also being offered as part of the ongoing vaccination process.”

The Fraser Valley Institution is a multi-level security facility with a capacity of 112 people.

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Abbotsford News Breaking Coronavirus COVID-19 Prison