The Department of Correctional Services, DCS, is reporting an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases, among the inmate and ward population as well as staff members in its correctional institutions, in recent weeks.

Patrice walters reports

In a statement, the DCS said 58 inmates and wards have tested positive for the virus with seven of them hospitalized.

Additionally, 38 staff members have tested positive and are now in isolation.  

The DCS said 206 inmates and wards as well as 228 staff members have recovered from the virus.

The death count remains at five, that is, two inmates and three officers.

The DCS said it will be implementing additional Covid-19 measures to reduce the spread of the virus.

As such, starting today (September 18) the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre will observe no movement for seven days.

Further, cloth masks will be prohibited, while surgical masks will be distributed to inmates and officers.

The rotation of officers will be suspended, meaning they will retain their assigned posts for the period, to prevent the spread of the virus.

The Public Health Department continues to collaborate with the DCS to conduct swabbing exercises, within the institutions.

And, the National Health Fund is providing personal protective equipment for the correctional institutions. 

The DCS said to date, 300 inmates from the adult correctional institutions and over 300 staff members, have been vaccinated against Covid 19.