The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is reporting 36 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the inmate and staff population at the South Camp Adult Correctional Centre within the last 24 hours. Of the new cases confirmed 28 were inmates and 8 staff members.

According to Dr. Donna-Michelle Royer-Powe Director of Medical Services in the Department, “The South Camp Adult facility was visited by Dr. Strachan-Johnson, Senior Medical Officer-KSA and a contingent from the Public Health Dept, whose objective was to review existing protocols and make recommendations for any improvement that would aid us in managing the spread within the inmate population.”  Dr. Royer-Powe highlighted that the recommendations made by the team today (February 15, 2021) and last week when the first batch of positive cases were recorded at the facility are in effect.”  The DCS confirmed that last week that 5 new cases were received from tests conducted at the South Camp Adult, triggering swabs being done for 81 persons.

The Department has been consultative in its approach to managing the pandemic within the penal institutions, collaborating with the MOHW and Public Health Departments to conduct testing programmes in centres once any positive cases are detected.  Currently, there are 39 active inmate cases and 10 staff cases in the Dept.

The DCS remains committed to the safety, health and wellness of both our staff and inmates under our care during this pandemic.

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