The number of COVID-19 cases related to the outbreak at the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre is on the rise.
On Wednesday, the Middlesex-London Health Unit confirmed 13 staff members and 19 inmates have tested positive for COVID-19. The outbreak at the jail was initially declared on January 18, when four workers tested positive.
During a media briefing on Wednesday, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Mackie said it will likely be difficult to get a hold of the outbreak. While the majority of the workers and inmates are young and not as likely to develop life-threatening symptoms, some with pre-existing health concerns could be more at risk for more severe complications.
"The Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre is another example of a facility with challenging infrastructure. You’ve got close quarters, you’ve got limited space," Mackie said.
Mackie added that voluntary testing will continue among inmates, he expects the number of positive tests will go up among those who have been in close contact with anyone infected.
According to the Ministry of the Solicitor General, inmates who test positive are given personal protective equipment if required, and are isolated from other inmates while receiving medical care.
On Monday, the health unit requested additional testing on positive samples at the jail and other facilities experiencing rapid spreading outbreaks, to see whether other variants such as the one identified in the United Kingdom are contributing to the spread.
