Nearly 160 inmates at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre (SCC) are under quarantine after one offender said he had previously come into contact with someone with COVID-19.
Saskatchewan justice officials confirmed the quarantine to Global News on Wednesday afternoon.
According to justice officials, the offender said he came into contact with the person in either Alberta or British Columbia while being transported from Lloydminster to the Saskatoon Correctional Centre with seven other offenders.
Officials in Alberta and B.C. say they have not identified the individual referred to by the offender as being infected with COVID-19, Saskatchewan justice officials said.
Precautionary measures are now in place at the centre.
Six of the 13 living areas at the Saskatoon Correctional Centre, affecting 158 offenders, have been quarantined.
A youth who was transported at the same time as the offender who claimed to have come into contact with COVID-19 is being quarantined at Kilburn Hall.
Officials said seven staff members have self-isolated as well. They added staff from Legal Aid are also self-isolating, but were unable to provide numbers.
The quarantine was put in place Tuesday evening and will remain in place until justice officials say they have determined there is no risk of infection.
Restrictions have been placed on the movement and placement of offenders until further notice, officials said.
Court appearances are also impacted. Offenders are now appearing by video or having their court dates postponed to a later date.
Corrections said it is in close contact with public health officials so they can provide guidance and direction on the situation.
Saskatchewan public health has stated that there have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the province to date.