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Kenora Jail

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Kenora Jail Reports 5 Drug Overdoses Last Week

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The Kenora Jail is not immune to drug overdoses.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union says there were five cases last week.

In each case, correctional service officers saved the lives of the inmates.

Three of the cases took place on July 20th and guards and two nurses were able to provide first aid.

In the early morning hours of July 21st, there were two more overdoses reported, and the same nurses and correctional service officers were able to save their lives.

OPSEU says because of chronic short-staffing at the jail, no officers could be spared to escort the inmates to hospital, so the facility’s superintendent was able to help out, along with an OPP superintendent.

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Health Unit Pushes For More Testing At Jail

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The Northwestern Health Unit would like to see more COVID-19 testing done at the Kenora Jail.

Two inmates who recently tested positive did not show any symptoms,

Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ian Gemmill says current testing is strictly voluntary.

He notes they tested only once and about a quarter of the population participated.

“I think the uptake among the inmates was under 120 inmates in this jail and about 25 took up the offer of testing. I don’t know the amount for staff. It wasn’t 100% for sure.”

Dr. Gemmill says the two people who tested positive are now isolated and there are safety protocols in place to ensure the virus doesn’t spread.

“Staff have all been issued protective equipment, so masks and so on. I think eye goggles as well if I’m not mistaken. They got some face protection. Any of the inmates will be asked to wear masks when they are out of their cells.”

He says in the case of the Wabaseemoong First Nation resident who tested positive, he travelled to Thunder Bay, became ill, and the COVID-19 testing was done.