Correctional Services Canada has reported that one inmate at Mission Institute has died as a result of “complications related to COVID-19”.
The prisoner died at Abbotsford Regional Hospital, which is being used to treat COVID-19 patients who contracted the virus at the correctional facility.
“The inmate’s next of kin have been notified of their death. CSC extends its condolences to the family,” reads a statement from CSC.
According to the latest updates, nine patients from the prison are currently being treated in a dedicated unit at the hospital.
The medium security federal prison located in Mission, B.C. currently accounts for positive COVID-19 cases in federal institutions in the province.
There are now 54 people who have tested positive for the virus at the Mission Institution as a result of the community outbreak that was first detected last week.
According to Correctional Services Canada, 70 people have been tested for the virus at the institution, with 10 negative results and 6 people who are awaiting the results of their tests.
The death of the inmate will be investigated by the coroner who will review the circumstances surrounding the death.
“CSC has dedicated health services and medical professionals in all of its institutions. We also work closely and collaboratively with local public heath partners and hospitals to provide complete and quality medical care to those who need it and to prevent further spread of COVID-19,” says the statement from CSC.
This is the first death related to COVID-19 among federally sentenced inmates in Canada.
See all the latest updates about the global COVID-19 pandemic on Vancouver Island
The BCCDC has set up a 2019 novel coronavirus telephone information line at 1-833-784-4397 for those who have further questions about this disease.
Anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or are experiencing symptoms of the novel coronavirus, should contact their primary care provider, local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
The Province has also created the 1-888-COVID-19 line to connect British Columbians needing non-medical information about the coronavirus pandemic.
As of the time of publication, the total number of COVID-19 patients worldwide has risen to 2,146,291.
Over 144,100 people have died from the illness and 545,722 have made a full recovery.
