COVID-19 outbreak declared at EMDC after four staff test positive
No inmates have tested positive for the virus, say health officials
A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at the Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre (EMDC) after four staff members tested positive for the virus, according to the Middlesex London Health Unit (MLHU).
The first case was flagged Thursday, while three more cases were detected on Saturday, said a statement from the health unit. It also said no inmates have tested positive and there's been no risk of exposure to EMDC visitors.
During a media briefing Monday, Dr. Chris Mackie, the medical officer of health for Middlesex-London, said the health unit would not be releasing details about what parts of the jail are affected. He did say inmates who've had close contact with the infected staff members would also be tested for the virus.
"The declaration of an outbreak is an indication that we have found evidence which suggests that transmission has occurred within a given setting, rather than through close contacts," said Dr. Alex Summers, the MLHU's associate medical officer of health in a statement.
The health unit said case investigators are following up with those infected and are providing guidance to staff and administrators at the jail. Anyone who works there is being urged to monitor for symptoms and get tested, if symptoms develop.