Saskatchewan Penitentiary hit with COVID-19 outbreak

Once again, COVID-19 has found its way inside the walls of a Saskatchewan prison.

Five inmates have tested positive for the virus at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary in Prince Albert, Correctional Service Canada (CSC) said in a statement.

“This is an evolving situation and we continue to apply and reinforce infection prevention and control measures to prevent and contain the spread,” CSC said in the statement.

“The health and safety of our employees, inmates, and the public continue to be our top priority.”

All staff members are provided with personal protective equipment, including medical masks, respirators and face shields, CSC said. All inmates are given medical masks, and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting throughout the facility is continuing.

CSC said COVID-19 vaccines have been offered to inmates since early 2021. For the week ending Sept. 11, CSC reported that between 76 per cent and 86 per cent of inmates at the penitentiary have been fully vaccinated.