Province using Regina women's remand unit to house COVID-19 patients who refuse isolation orders
White Birch Remand Centre currently housing 3 people
The province says a correctional facility in Regina is being used for people who have tested positive for COVID-19.
The White Birch Remand Centre is currently housing three people with the coronavirus who refused to follow public health orders to self-isolate.
"It's for those individuals that that failed to comply with the local conditions and are a danger to the community," said Marlo Pritchard, president of the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.
The Ministry of Justice called the facility a 'last resort' to stop infected people from spreading the disease.
Pritchard said the facility is being staffed 24 hours a day by Sheriff Services as well as staff from the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Branch.
He also said staff are working with public health authorities to make sure the people inside receive proper care.
The facility opened in early April. So far, a total of five people have been held in the facility.
The people inside are being released once they are no longer transmitting the disease.
Corrections
- A previous version of this story incorrectly attributed Marlo Pritchard's quotes to Premier Scott Moe.May 14, 2020 11:13 AM CT