An outbreak in a correctional centre has caused a big jump in the COVID-19 numbers for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Health Unit.
The number of active cases increased after confirmation of additional cases within the Central East Correctional Centre in Lindsay. The health unit declared an outbreak at the Centre on May 17 after six inmates in various areas of the facility were confirmed positive.
The outbreak was then declared facility-wide as additional inmates and staff were confirmed positive.
The Health Unit has since been notified of 88 confirmed cases within the City of Kawartha Lakes – 67 of which are related to the Centre outbreak.
There are 122 inmates and nine staff who have tested positive related to the outbreak.
Laboratory testing has detected mutations consistent with a COVID-19 variant, however, the specific variant lineage is yet to be confirmed.
In a statement, Medical Officer of Health for the HKPR District Health Unit, Dr. Natalie Bocking, says, “Our staff are working closely with the health services staff within the facility to help prevent any further spread. We have seen these measures implemented in outbreaks in other correctional facilities in the province and they have helped prevent any further spread and helped bring the outbreaks to a close. Coupled with increased infection and prevention control measures being implemented by the facility, we hope to see these individuals recover and no further cases.”
