The Government has confirmed there are “positive Covid-19 cases within the Department of Corrections,” and said they have “a specialised response team” and a vaccination programme is “underway at the facilities and it is available for both staff and inmates if they want it.”
A spokesperson said, “The Minister of National Security, Renee Ming advised there that are confirmed positive Covid-19 cases within the Department of Corrections. It should be pointed out that the Department successfully mitigated Covid-19 positive cases in December 2020, and this time around has enacted a similar aggressive testing and virus management regime.
Minister Ming said, “I can confirm that all persons have been tested, and the positive cases have been isolated to ensure the safety of all.
“I can assure the community that all of the appropriate health protocols and recommendations are being followed in accordance with guidance from the Department of Health. We are taking all of the necessary actions and precautions to ensure that those who work and reside at our correctional facilities are safeguarded and protected from the Covid-19 virus.
“As a note, the Department of Corrections has a specialised response team that is focused on dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The team is tasked with ensuring that any risks associated with COVID-19 are mitigated in accordance with the department’s pandemic plan.
“A vaccination programme which has been successful, is underway at the facilities and it is available for both staff and inmates if they want it.
“Lastly, I wish to take this opportunity to commend our staff for working diligently under very challenging conditions throughout this pandemic. We will continue to closely monitor the risk levels and continue to put measures in place to ensure the wellbeing of all.”
