Inmate at Edmonton Remand Centre tests positive for COVID-19

An inmate at the Edmonton Remand Centre has tested positive for COVID-19, CBC News has learned.

Thepositive case wasidentified at the facility Wednesdaymorning, saidKerry Williamson, Alberta Health Services spokesperson.

The inmate has beenisolatedand there is no evidence of transmission within the centre, he said.

The inmate was asymptomatic when admitted on June 30, Williamson said.

"As per established protocols, the inmate was swabbed by AHS on admission, placed in 14-day quarantine and checked daily by AHS as per normal routine.The swab taken on admission was negative."

On July 11, while still in quarantine, the inmate displayed a symptom of COVID-19,was moved to isolationand tested by AHS, he said.

"Out of an abundance of caution, transfers out of the remand centre have been suspended for today," Williamson said.

A source told CBC News the facility was placed inlockdown after the male inmate tested positive.

AnEdmonton defence lawyer saida van load of prisoners en route to Hinton was ordered back to the facility, and a number of court cases were delayed or cancelled.

Another lawyer said his St. Albert case was also cancelled.