Some Thunder Bay Jail inmates have been moved to Toronto temporarily due to overcrowding during the pandemic.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General explains “a number” of inmates were transferred to the Toronto South Detention Centre temporarily to reduce crowding and reduce the risk of infection.
The Thunder Bay Jail has 12 active inmate COVID-19 cases and six COVID-positive cases among staff, while the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre has 42 cases among inmates and two infected staff members.
In an email, Andrew Morrison says those inmates were at low risk for COVID-19 and will be isolated for 14 days when they arrive.
He wasn’t able to share any other details about the transfers for security reasons.
All inmates are being transferred to a separate area at TSDC, and will not be placed with current TSDC inmates to reduce any potential spread of COVID-19.
He says staff are following “appropriate protocols” to protect of all staff and inmates.
“TSDC, our newest facility, has a modern health care unit with medical isolation units and appropriate resources, to effectively manage and support inmates with COVID-19,” Morrison adds.
