TORONTO -- A correctional institution in Brampton, Ont. is being temporarily closed due to a COVID-19 outbreak and all inmates are being relocated to a separate area within the Toronto South Detention Centre.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General has confirmed to CP24 that eight staff members and 60 inmates at the Ontario Correctional Institute have now tested positive for COVID-19.
The spokesperson says that given “the dormitory style setting” of the institution, a decision has been made to order its temporary closure effective April 21.
At this point, it is unclear when the facility will reopen.
“All inmates are being transferred to a separate area at Toronto South Detention Centre (TSDC), and will not be placed with existing TSDC inmates to reduce any potential spread of COVID-19,” Kristy Denette said in a written statement. “TSDC, our newest facility, has a modern healthcare unit with medical isolation units and appropriate resources, to effectively manage and support inmates with COVID-19.”
Denette said that all staff from the Ontario Correctional Institute are being asked to self-isolate at home for 14 days as a precaution.
She said that the facility itself will also undergo a “deep cleaning” while it is closed.
“We continue to work with Peel Public Health to identify and test staff and inmates who may be impacted,” she said.
