2 dozen inmates test positive for COVID-19 at B.C. correctional centre
Dozens of inmates at a B.C. correctional centre have tested positive for COVID-19, leading to a temporary suspension of visits.
In a statement Thursday, Correctional Service Canada said 24 inmates at Pacific Institution in Abbotsford were confirmed to have COVID-19. Testing is being offered to other inmates and staff, so the number of positives may change, CSC said.
"We are closely monitoring the situation, and measures are in place to minimize spread of the virus within the institution," CSC said.
All staff are given PPE, like medical masks and face shields, and inmates are encouraged to wear medical masks whenever they're not in their cells. Vaccinations have been offered since last January and boosters are being offered now, CSC said.
Just over 89 per cent of inmates at the facility have received two vaccine doses. Ninety-one per cent have gotten one shot and nearly 12 per cent have boosters.
In November, CSC implemented a policy requiring all visitors to provide proof of full vaccination, or a valid exemption and negative test, before entering prisons and parole offices.
For now, in-person visits at the institution are suspended. CSC said it's offering other options to help inmates connect with family and support networks.
Earlier this week, dozens of COVID-19 cases at another correctional centre were announced. Twenty-eight people tested positive at the Matsqui Institution, which is also in Abbotsford.
CSC did not provide any details on the severity of the inmates' illnesses at either facility, or how COVID-19 may have been introduced into the prison population.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Andrew Weichel
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.