Times-Chronicle Staff
While three staff members of Okanagan Correctional Centre have tested positive for COVID-19, there is no evidence of community transmission, says the Interior Health Authority.
“The individuals are in isolation at home and being supported by Interior Health as we perform contact tracing to identify anyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19.”
Based on initial findings, the prison staff members were exposed to COVID-19 at an off-site, two-day training session.
“All necessary infection control precautions are in place at OCC to protect people in custody,” says Interior Health.
Public visits to the correctional centre have been restricted since March 12, and any new inmates who enter the facility are isolated for 14 days to prevent the introduction of COVID-19 into the institution.
Interior Health says testing is recommended for anyone experiencing fever, cough, sore throat and/or shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. The authority also reminds everyone to maintain social distancing and wear masks if that is not possible. It also warns people not to plan or attend gatherings of more than 50 people.
Information about testing and public exposures to COVID-19 are available here: https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/public-exposures/
