Nunavut jail sees a dozen COVID-19 cases over the weekend
Those infected have room to isolate, says justice minister
Justice Minister David Akeeagok announces that there have been 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the Aaqqigiarvik Correctional Healing Facility during the government’s Tuesday news conference at the legislative assembly. (Photo by David Venn)
All visits and programming have been put on pause at Iqaluit’s Aaqqigiarvik Correctional Healing Facility after the Justice Department confirmed a dozen COVID-19 cases in the jail.
Justice Minister David Akeeagok made the announcement during the territory’s Tuesday COVID-19 update.
Health Department and jail medical staff conducted about 170 PCR tests over the weekend and 12 came back positive, Akeeagok said.
“We are awaiting further results which could result in an increase,” he said.
These doors lead to the two negative-pressure rooms in the Aaqqigiarvik Correctional Healing Facility. (Photo by Mélanie Ritchot)
Akeeagok said the jail has a number of safety measures that were implemented in December, which included dedicating wings for people who need to isolate.
The jail, which opened in the fall of last year, also has two negative-pressure treatment rooms for people with infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, though Akeeagok did not mention if the Justice Department is using them.
“I want to assure families of our clients and the staff that every safety precaution is being taken,” Akeeagok said.
Overall, the territory has 247 cases of COVID-19 spread out over 17 communities, Premier P.J. Akeeagok said Tuesday.
…. have room to isolate. Thanks for the laugh.
so the inmates are under lockdown now like the rest of us?? how cruel !!!!!
So why all of a sudden did they decide to test the jail ?
Did contact testing led back to the jail ?
Was an inmate sick ?
Was a worker sick ?
Why were visitations still allowed with CPHO restrictions in place ?
Do visitors have to be fully vaccinated to visit the jail ?
Are all the workers fully vaccinated that work at the jail ?
Would love to see the overtime on this payroll run.