Coronavirus in NSW prisons: Corrections NSW denies confirmed cases as inmates isolate
Several inmates in NSW correctional centres have been isolated over fears of coronavirus.
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Several inmates in correctional centres across NSW have been forced into isolation after presenting flu symptoms, but Corrective Services NSW has denied claims of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state’s prisons.
Local Court magistrates, including those at Wollongong, were told on Wednesday morning that several defendants housed in Bathurst Correctional Centre would be delayed in appearing via Audio Video Link due to forced quarantines.
A Corrective Services NSW spokeswoman told NewsLocal there were no confirmed cases of the coronavirus within any correctional facilities, however several inmates have been quarantined with flu symptoms.
The statement from Corrective Services comes just days after they stamped out suggestions prisoners at Parklea were also diagnosed with the virus.
“Corrective Services NSW is implementing additional processes and procedures for visitor health-screenings to ensure the safety of our staff, inmates and members of the community,” the spokeswoman said.
“Like the rest of the community, it’s important we minimise all potential cases of COVID-19 in our prisons.
“We’re receiving regular briefings from Justice Health and the Forensic Mental Health Network, and NSW Health, and following their expert advice.”
Any inmate or corrective services employee presenting with flu like symptoms within corrective facilities across the state are being isolated, which is a common occurrence in prisons.
The spokeswoman said new contingency plans have been implemented “to ensure any possible COVID-19 case is proactively managed”.
“When such a case occurs, our priority will be preventing transmission, managing isolation requirements, keeping staff and inmates safe and continuing to manage our daily operations,” she said.
“We have longstanding safety practices in place to prevent and control infectious and communicable diseases in our prisons and other facilities.
“This can include staff and affected inmates wearing protective equipment gear, washing hands frequently, restricting movements of affected inmates and vaccinating staff and inmates for influenza where required.”
There will also be an accelerated roll out of flu vaccinations to corrections staff this year.