End of Lockdown at Bowden Institution

INNISFAIL, AB, March 30, 2020 /CNW/ - Correctional Service Canada

The lockdown put in place at Bowden Institution on March 17, 2020, has ended.

The facility was placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure after inmates showed symptoms consistent with influenza.

After clinical assessment, symptomatic inmates were tested for COVID-19 and the results for those tests are negative. Testing for COVID-19 will be ongoing, as necessary, when recommended by public health authorities. As part of CSC protocols, inmates with symptoms are isolated from the general inmate population as a preventative measure.  

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 in its institutions, CSC continues to suspend visits to inmates, all temporary absences unless medically necessary, work releases for offenders, all inter-regional and international transfers of inmates.

CSC remains in close contact with its public health partners and continues to monitor the situation and engage with authorities.

Quick facts

• CSC has contingency plans in place in each of its operational units to respond to crisis situations and to deal with health emergencies.
  
  
• We have preventative measures in place including hygiene precautions which include hand hygiene, enhanced cleaning, and proper laundry and waste disposal processes.
  
  
• CSC has dedicated health care services in its institutions and is prepared to handle cases of influenza and other respiratory illnesses, such as COVID‑19.

Associated links

CSC COVID-19 Preparations 
Government of Canada COVID-19 Information 
Bowden Institution 

SOURCE Correctional Services of Canada Prairie Region