The Elgin Middlesex Detention Centre is dealing with an outbreak of COVID-19 after four employees at the jail contracted the virus.
The Middlesex London Health Unit declared the outbreak on Monday.
Public health officials were first notified of a positive case of COVID-19 last Thursday. Two days later, three other workers were confirmed to have the virus. So far, no inmates have been infected.
"The declaration of an outbreak is an indication that we have found evidence which suggests that transmission has occurred within a given setting, rather than through close contact with family members, friends or others,” Dr. Alex Summers, the region's associate medical officer of health, said in a statement. “When we declare outbreaks, it allows us to put additional resources to supporting the staff who are working within the facility, provide guidance on enhanced infection prevention and control measures and advice on environmental cleaning and disinfection.”
The south London jail will now undergo a thorough cleaning and adherence to public health measures will be tightened up.
Investigators with the health unit are following up with EMDC administration and staff. Those who work at the facility are being advised to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms and get tested should any develop.
The health unit added that no visitors to the jail were exposed.
