A lockdown is in place at a federal prison in the Fraser Valley as a precautionary measure after some inmates showed signs consistent with the flu and tested positive for COVID-19.
According to statistics from the Correctional Service of Canada, the Mission Institution has 14 confirmed cases of COVID-19. One test came back negative and results from 21 tests are pending.
The medium-security prison has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Canada, according to government statistics.
There is also a case of COVID-19 at Abbotsford’s Pacific Regional Treatment Centre.
The CSC says it is following strict protocols, including enhanced cleaning and twice-daily checks of symptomatic inmates, to avoid further spread.
Meals are also being brought to inmates’ cells.
Mission Mayor Pam Alexis says the situation is “deeply concerning” for the staff who live in the surrounding community and have families at home, but is confident the appropriate health experts are involved.
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