Windsor-Essex's correctional facility is tackling a COVID-19 outbreak.
According to data provided by the province of Ontario, six inmates at the South West Detention Centre had tested positive for the virus as of Sunday. The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit reported the outbreak on its website but did not mention the number of inmates involved. As is customary, the health unit is not identifying individual cases due to privacy concerns.
The first inmate who tested positive was reported on March 8. Two more came the following day, and a fourth active case on Friday. Two new cases had been added since the previous update was made on Friday.
No information was provided on any staff members who have tested positive.
The province also reported a total of ten cases at the jail since the pandemic began a year ago.
The Ministry of the Solicitor General, which oversees Ontario's correctional facilities, said jails take additional precautions per the local health unit. That includes requiring visitors to contact the facility ahead of time and make an appointment, undergo a temperature check and COVID-19 screening, and mandating the use of a face covering.
For inmates, additional masks are provided, and any new inmates are placed in custody away from the general population for 14 days. Testing is also made available to inmates and any who test positive are medically isolated. Positive inmates are allowed contact with loved ones via telephone and writing letters.