Fraser Health has declared an outbreak at the Fraser Regional Correctional Centre in Maple Ridge.
The announcement came on Wednesday after the health authority confirmed nine individuals in custody and two staff members at the centre have tested positive for coronavirus.
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On Monday, the health authority confirmed seven individuals in custody and one staff member had tested positive for COVID-19 but an outbreak was not declared at the time.
“Fraser Health declares an outbreak in a community location when there is evidence of sustained transmission or spread outside of close contact groupings,” the health authority said in a statement to The News.
“A small cluster of cases among a group of individuals in custody would not necessarily meet this threshold.”
The first COVID-19 positive case was identified at the centre on Jan. 20.
“We are actively following up with any individuals who had contact with the individuals in custody at this location who have tested positive for COVID-19,” Fraser Health said.
Fraser Health said they are working with BC Corrections and Provincial Health Services Authority infection control to support the site.
The Maple Ridge facility is one of 10 provincial correctional centres.
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The public is encouraged to use the COVID-19 assessment tool and to get tested if they exhibit symptoms, even if they are mild.
“Please don’t wait, and book or drop by one of our collection centres which are operated in partnership with local Divisions of Family Practice,” Fraser Health said.
To book a COVID-19 testing appointment, complete a COVID-19 test booking form.
For more information visit fraserhealth.ca/covid19.
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