Saskatoon Correctional Centre inmate being tested for coronavirus

The Saskatoon Correctional Centre is taking extra precautions after an inmate claimed to have come into contact with someone infected with the coronavirus in Alberta or B.C.

The inmate and people who he’d come into contact with are in quarantine while waiting on test results.

It includes some staff members who are in self-isolation, the office of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General said in an e-mail.

As a result, the facility has enacted its infection protocol.

Specific measures include cleaning, disinfecting and restricting common areas and equipment, thorough and regular hand washing and scheduling court appearances via video or postponing it, the email said.

Corrections staff conduct a medical assessment on offenders as part of its intake process at all facilities and nurses are vigilantly watching for symptoms, the email continued.

The ministry expects the inmate’s test results within 24 hours, which will then be reviewed by the medical health officer.