The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has placed the entire Hilltop Juvenile Correctional Centre under quarantine following the discovery of a COVID-19 cluster there.

The DCS yesterday reported 29 new positive COVID-19 cases in the ward and staff population at the St Ann centre within the previous 24 hours.

Of the new cases confirmed, 14 were wards and 15 staff members.

According to the DCS, the institution has been placed under a 14-day quarantine and only essential activities will be accommodated.

“No new admissions or transfers will be allowed at this time and releases will be reported to the health department. All positive staff members have been directed to self-isolate,” said the DCS.

On the COVID-19 dashboard on its website yesterday the DCS said there are now 16 inmates in the island’s correctional facilities who are positive for the virus.

In addition to the 14 cases at Hilltop, there are two positive cases at South Camp Adult Correctional Centre which houses females.

The dashboard also reported 43 active COVID-19 cases among DCS staff with the 16 at Hilltop added to 11 at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre.

Active COVID-19 cases among staff were also reported at a number of other correctional facilities including Tower Street (1), St Catherine (4) and South Camp Road (3).

“The department continues its consultative approach to managing the pandemic within the penal institutions, collaborating with the MOHW (Ministry of Health and Wellness) and public health departments to conduct testing programmes in centres once any positive cases are detected,” said the DCS in a mid-afternoon media release.

The DCS said it remains committed to the safety, health and wellness of both its staff and inmates under its care during this pandemic.

Since the start of the pandemic the DCS has reported that 744 inmates and wards have been tested for COVID-19 with 644 returning negative results. In addition, 400 members of staff have been tested with 312 returning negative results.

— Arthur Hall