A Chatham man who has tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) worked inside the South West Detention Centre prior to self-isolating.
The Ministry of the Solicitor General confirmed to BlackburnNews.com by email that the Chatham man was performing maintenance work at the Windsor jail at the time. However, he was not directly involved with the care or custody of inmates at any time.
"Consultation with the local public health is ongoing to ensure appropriate steps to ensure the health and wellbeing of our staff and appropriate custody of inmates," said ministry spokesperson Brent Ross in an email.
After receiving information about the Chatham man from public health officials, Ross said the ministry conducted a "deep clean" of the area where the man had been working.
"Our correctional facilities are inspected and thoroughly cleaned daily and/or as required. Proper handwashing and cough/sneezing etiquette has also been communicated to staff and inmates," said Ross. "There are also processes in place to address environment cleaning."
Staff at the jail have been notified of the confirmed case of COVID-19, and have been advised to monitor their health. Any staff member who notices any changes to their health has been told to inform management.
There have been two cases of COVID-19 confirmed by public health officials in Chatham-Kent -- an 81-year-old woman who recently travelled to the U.S. and a 52-year-old man who tested positive after returning from a Caribbean cruise.