Inmate at Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre tests positive for COVID-19

OTTAWA — Ottawa Public Health confirms an inmate at the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre has tested positive for COVID-19.

In a statement, OPH said the individual's case was confirmed during routine testing.

"The individual has no active COVID-19 symptoms at this time and will remain in isolation for 14 days from the date of their positive test," the statement said.

OPH said the inmate is believed to have been exposed to COVID-19 before being admitted to the jail on Innes Road, and so an institutional outbreak has not been declared.

"At this time, there is no evidence of COVID-19 transmission within the facility," OPH said. "As per OCDC’s protocols, all newly admitted inmates are housed separately from the general population for 14 days and provided voluntary COVID-19 testing."

Spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General, Kristy Denette, told CTV News in an email the inmate is receiving medical treatment as appropriate.

"The ministry is working with Ottawa Public Health to identify staff and other inmates who may be impacted," Denette said.

She said the OCDC, like all correctional facilities in Ontario, has enhanced its cleaning measures. Personal protective equipment has been provided for all staff as required. All staff and visitors at correctional institutions are required to wear masks at all times, and masks are provided to inmates if required. There are also regular temperature checks for staff and visitors.

This is the first known case of COVID-19 within the Ottawa jail. In April, an outbreak at a jail in Brampton affected 60 inmates and forced the jail to close temporarily.