Outbreak at correction centre driving local COVID numbers up

Over the weekend, the Health Unit was notified of 88 confirmed cases within Kawartha Lakes – 67 of which are related to a Central East Correctional Centre (CECC) outbreak.

The number of local active COVID-19 cases has increased substantially after the confirmation of additional cases of COVID-19 at the jail.

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit declared an outbreak at the CECC on May 17 after six inmates in various areas of the facility were confirmed positive. The outbreak was then declared facility-wide as additional inmates and staff were confirmed positive.

As of today’s date, there are 122 inmates and nine staff who have tested positive related to the outbreak. 

Laboratory testing has detected mutations consistent with a COVID-19 variant, however, the specific variant lineage is yet to be confirmed. The type of variant is determined by whole genome sequencing which can take several weeks before results are available. 

“Our staff are working closely with the health services staff within the facility to help prevent any further spread,” says Dr. Natalie Bocking, medical officer of health for the HKPR District Health Unit.

“We have seen these measures implemented in outbreaks in other correctional facilities in the province and they have helped prevent any further spread and helped bring the outbreaks to a close. Coupled with increased infection and prevention control measures being implemented by the facility, we hope to see these individuals recover and no further cases.”