The St. Elizabeth police are awaiting COVID-19 test results for several detainees at two police lock-ups in the parish.

This, after a number of detainees, at the Santa Cruz and Black River police stations, were placed under quarantine, after displaying flu-like symptoms.

Head of the St. Elizabeth police division, Superintendent Dwight Daley said the results are to be provided between this evening and early next week.

He told Irie FM News that the entire cell block at the Santa Cruz police station was placed under quarantine after 50% of the detainees began showing flu-like symptoms on Wednesday.

Superintendent Daley noted that 13 detainees were quarantined at the Black River police lockup, on Monday.

He said new prisoners are now being housed at other locations in the parish and will be sent to neighbouring parishes if occupancy levels are exceeded.

He said visiting has been suspended at the affected lockups.

Meanwhile, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is reporting an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases among the inmate and staff population in correctional centres, in recent weeks.

Currently, 8 inmates have tested positive for the virus, while 15 staff members have tested positive and are now in isolation.

The department has implemented measures to reduce the spread of the virus.

The South Camp Adult Correctional Centre is currently on lockdown, while movement has been restricted at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre.

Additionally, a review of the DCS’ covid-19 contingency plan was done, prior to it being activated.