Inmate at Grand Valley Institution for Women tests positive for COVID-19

An inmate at the Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener has tested positive for COVID-19.

Correctional Services Canada (CSC) confirmed in an email to CBC News Wednesday morning that a total of three inmates have tested positive for COVID-19 in Canadian federal prisons.

Two are at Port Cartier Institution in Quebec and one at Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener.

CSC keeps track of inmate COVID-19 testing in its federal correctional institutions on its website. As of Monday, a total of two COVID-19 tests have been done at Grand Valley Institution for Women.

One test came back negative and one test result was positive, according to CSC. The site does not say when the tests were administered.

"To prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our institutions, we continue the suspension of visits to inmates, all temporary absences (unless medically necessary) work releases for offenders and all inter-regional and international transfers of inmates," said CSC in an email.

"CSC has enhanced cleaning protocols, including disinfecting common areas of contact and increased prevention awareness in all workplaces."

CSC said it has also suspended non-essential work in institutions and have taken steps to modify "routines to limit comings and goings" and is using alternative ways to deliver programs and activities.