Inmate in Toronto South Detention Centre tests positive for coronavirus

A Toronto prison inmate has tested positive for coronavirus, according to Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General.

On Wednesday, the ministry released a statement noting that an inmate tested positive at the Toronto South Detention Centre (TSDC).

The statement said that local public health informed the ministry that the inmate possibly had coronavirus upon admission to the facility, and he was put into isolation right away.

The TSDC has since taken preventative measures and they will continue with screening procedures, according to Global News.

Brent Ross, a ministry spokesperson said, “The health and safety of our staff and those in our custody is the top priority.”

“We recognize and thank our dedicated staff, who are working hard to keep our correctional facilities and our communities safe.”

Ontario now has the second highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Canada with 688 at last report, while Quebec has the most cases with 1,339.

A guard at a Greater Toronto Area correctional facility tested positive for coronavirus earlier this month. This sparked concern for people working in Ontario jails and new procedures were called for.

Warren Thomas, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union president, noted that correctional institutions can be like a “petri dish” when it comes to spreading infections. He added that he thought the reaction towards the threat of the virus may have been too “sluggish.”

“We need to get ahead of the danger,” said Thomas.