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Most inmates in Kent Institution outbreak have recovered

Seven remain infected as outbreak approaches its end
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Kent Institution. (File Photo)

After five weeks, the Kent Institution outbreak is showing significant signs of coming to an end.

According to the latest data from Correctional Services Canada, 100 inmates and at least 18 employees were infected with COVID-19 over the course of the yet-ongoing outbreak. However, as of Tuesday afternoon, 93 inmates have recovered, leaving only seven active cases.

This is up one inmate infected and up 46 inmates recovered since last week’s update.

Of 280 COVID-19 tests given, 100 returned positive during this outbreak (a roughly 35 per cent positivity rate), which initially began Dec. 28, 2021. No Kent Institution inmate deaths have been associated with this or any COVID-19 outbreak to date.

RELATED: 99 Kent Institution inmates infected with COVID-19 as outbreak continues

Kent Institution employees are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result before entering the institution. CSC representatives told The Observer that if a staff member tests positive for COVID-19, they are sent home and will be away from the workplace until they are deemed safe to return according to CSC and public health standards.

The COVID-19 outbreak at Kwíkwèxwelhp Healing Lodge is projected to end Feb. 19; the last patient recovered on Jan. 22. Per public health protocol, outbreaks are considered ended 28 days after the last patient is considered recovered.

READ ALSO: Omicron amps up concerns about long COVID and its causes

As of publication, 67.2 per cent of the Kent Institution inmate population has been fully vaccinated (72.7 per cent partially vaccinated). About 23 per cent of inmates have received a booster. At Mountain Institution, 84.5 per cent of inmates are fully vaccinated (89.2 per cent partially vaccinated). 65.5 per cent of inmates have received a booster. Kwìkwèxwelhp Healing Lodge is 100 per cent partially vaccinated and 95 per cent fully vaccinated. 90 per cent of inmates have received a booster.

In B.C., 81 per cent of the 3,855 inmates throughout the province are fully vaccinated with just over 50 per cent having received the booster as of Tuesday afternoon.


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adam.louis@ ahobserver.com

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