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David White / Stuff
The staff member worked at Paremoremo Prison in Auckland.
A domestic contact of a staff member at the Auckland prison in Paremoremo tested positive for Covid-19, meaning 30 people are now isolated.
Prison Director David Pattinson said the family member tested positive on September 12 and that the staff member isolated himself but tested negative on September 13.
“They remain in self-isolation and will be given two more tests to confirm that they do not have Covid-19,” said Pattison.
Pattison said 30 people who may have had contact with the staff member have been identified and are in isolation. This included two inmates, eight contractors, and 20 prison officials.
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“The staff member does not work in a residential prison housing unit and is based in a building outside the prison’s security perimeter,” said Pattison.
They last worked on Thursday, September 10.
“We take safety and well-being very seriously, and we are not prepared to take any risks with the possibility of the virus entering a prison. We are taking a proactive and deliberately cautious approach. “
None of the prisoners showed any symptoms, Pattison said, and the staff caring for them wore full personal protective equipment.
”Employers have been informed of the contractors and visitors. Corrections staff have been placed on special leave and have been recommended to isolate themselves and get tested, none are symptomatic. “
A deep cleaning had been carried out in two areas where the staff member worked, and family visits to the prison were canceled while it was being carried out.
David White / Stuff
In the prison, a thorough cleaning was carried out of the areas where the prison staff member had been.
“All Corrections staff wear PPE when working inside prisons,” said Pattison.
“We also have a variety of other safety mechanisms in place to keep people safe: monitoring the temperature of each person arriving at the site, encouraging everyone to practice physical distancing, encouraging regular and thorough hand washing, and accommodating newly received prisoners separately from others during their first 14 years. days in custody. “
