Inmates to be relocated after Brampton jail temporarily closes amid COVID-19 outbreak

Following the recent outbreak of COVID-19 at the Ontario Correctional Institute (OCI) in the City of Brampton, the ministry is temporarily closing the facility effective Tuesday, April 21, 2020.

Following the recent outbreak of COVID-19 at the Ontario Correctional Institute (OCI) in the City of Brampton, the ministry is temporarily closing the facility effective Tuesday, April 21, 2020.

In a statement, the province confirmed the closure and stated that it was forced to close due to its “dormitory-style setting.” 

As a result, inmates from the correction facility in Brampton will be transferred to a separate area at the Toronto South Detention Centre (TSDC), according to the statement from the Ministry of Solicitor General. 

These inmates will not be placed with existing TSDC inmates, in order to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 and are currently receiving all required medical care.

All appropriate protocols are being followed to protect the staff and inmates.

“TSDC, our newest facility, has a modern healthcare unit with medical isolation units and appropriate resources, to effectively manage and support inmates with COVID-19,” said the statement from the Ministry of Solicitor General.

“Due to our proactive work to address overcrowding in our institutions, all of Ontario’s correctional institutions, including TSDC, are currently within operational capacity.”

The statement also confirmed that a total of eight staff members, as well as 60 inmates at the Ontario Correctional Institute, have tested positive for COVID-19 to date.

Currently, with advice from Peel Public Health, all staff from the Ontario Correctional Institute are being advised to self-isolate for 14 days as a precaution.

The Ministry of the Solicitor General’s office has also confirmed that the facility will be undergoing a deep cleaning amid OMI’s closure.