Number of cases associated with COVID-19 outbreak at Saanich jail still to be determined, Island Health says
The Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre on May 3, 2019. (CTV Vancouver Island)
Vancouver -
Health officials are still working to determine the number of COVID-19 infections associated with an outbreak at a Vancouver Island jail.
In a statement emailed to CTV News Vancouver Island on Saturday, Island Health said the case count at the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre in Saanich has not yet been confirmed.
The health authority said there have been "some cases associated with the facility in recent weeks," but an outbreak was not declared until this week, when health officials found evidence of ongoing coronavirus transmission within the facility.
The Ministry of Health announced the outbreak declaration in its daily COVID-19 update on Friday, but did not indicate how many inmates or staff members had tested positive.
On Saturday, the ministry referred questions about the number of cases at the facility to Island Health.
"Island Health is working closely with VIRCC to ensure all steps are taken to protect the health and safety of everyone involved," the health authority said in its statement.
"Health care services are provided at VIRCC by the Provincial Health Services Authority. This includes access to COVID-19 testing and vaccination."
Island Health said its medical health officer has determined there is no risk to the general public from the outbreak.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Wind chills of -50, snowfall of up to 50 cm: Canada's weather forecast
As the second day of December unfolds, Canadians from coast to coast are experiencing a range of wintry conditions. Here's what's happening in different parts of the country.
Multiple elements contributed to fatal Chinook helicopter crash in Ottawa River, investigation concludes
The investigation into a Chinook helicopter crash near Petawawa, Ont. that killed two military pilots concludes an 'unperceived acceleration' and environmental conditions were "significant contributors" to the crash in the Ottawa River.
Kremlin says Trump threat to BRICS nations over U.S. dollar will backfire
The Kremlin said on Monday that any U.S. attempt to compel countries to use the dollar would backfire after U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on BRICS countries if they created their own currency.
U.S. Postal Service suspends accepting mail bound for Canada due to strike
The U.S. Postal Service has temporarily suspended accepting mail headed to Canada due to the strike by Canada Post workers.
'Ally to the North': Ontario launches U.S. ad campaign amid Trump's tariff threat
Ontario is launching a U.S. ad campaign, touting the province as an 'ally to the North' ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s second term and under the threat of tariffs on all Canadian goods.
Crews work to reopen highway north of Toronto after major snowstorm hits cottage country
Crews are still working to reopen Highway 11 north of Toronto after parts of Ontario’s cottage country were hit with upwards of 140 centimetres of snowfall over the weekend.
Ontario food banks cutting back amid 'unprecedented surge in demand'
About 40 per cent of food banks in the province have scaled back the amount of food they provide each visit amid “record-high demand,” according to a new report by Feed Ontario.
Biden pardons his son Hunter despite previous pledges not to
U.S. President Joe Biden pardoned his son, Hunter, on Sunday night, sparing the younger Biden a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions and reversing his past promises not to use the extraordinary powers of the presidency for the benefit of his family.
Elton John says he has lost his eyesight and struggles to see his new stage musical
Elton John says he struggled to watch his new musical because he has lost his eyesight after contracting an infection.
Vancouver
-
Coquitlam crash stalls traffic near Port Mann Bridge
A crash near the Port Mann Bridge is causing significant delays for morning commuters in Metro Vancouver.
-
Alexander, Crawford lead deep Canadian men's downhill ski team into season
The Canadian men's downhill ski team opens an important racing season intent on making a multi-pronged push for the podium.
-
Here's where Canadian experts stand on fluoridating drinking water
For decades, water fluoridation has played a key role in improving the oral health of North Americans, experts say, but the practice is coming under scrutiny in some communities as opponents gain new prominence in the U.S., pointing to research that cautions about the risks of exposure to the mineral in high doses.
Kelowna
-
Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas
A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas.
-
Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026
The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday.
-
545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down
Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day.
Edmonton
-
LIVE @ 11:30 A.M.LIVE @ 11:30 A.M. Mark Kilam confirmed Edmonton Elks' new head coach
Alberta native Mark Kilam was announced Monday as the Edmonton Elks' 25th head coach.
-
Northern Alta. house explosion likely caused by gas leak: RCMP
Northern Alberta Mounties are investigating a house explosion in Swan Hills early Monday morning.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER Josh Classen's forecast: Cold spell ends and brings freezing rain to northern Alberta
Freezing rain warnings are in effect for areas from Peace River east to Fort McMurray and south towards the Cold Lake/Bonnyville region.
Calgary
-
Crash on Stoney Trail near Deerfoot Trail
A transport truck crashed on Monday morning, shutting down a section of eastbound Stoney Trail.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER Let the melt begin – daytime highs as warm as 6 C this week
The last half of November was not only cold – it was also snowy. Since Nov. 18, temperatures in Calgary sat between -3 C to -21 C during a period that usually records temperatures of 2 C to -11 C.
-
Work underway in Alberta town to restore one of last remaining Quonset-style theatres
The historic Roxy Theatre in southwestern Alberta's Crowsnest Pass has seen better days.
Lethbridge
-
Raiders hand Hurricanes sixth loss in a row, winning 3-2 in Prince Albert
The Hurricanes ended November with a loss, dropping a 3-2 decision to the Raiders Saturday night in Prince Albert.
-
University of Lethbridge launches geospatial insitute
Geomatics research is about to take a step forward at the University of Lethbridge.
-
Road-weary Hurricanes drop fifth in a row, losing 4-1 to Blades in Saskatoon
The Lethbridge Hurricanes ran into a hot goalie in Evan Gardner Friday night who cooled them off, leading the Blades to a 4-1 win in Saskatoon.
Winnipeg
-
LIVE AT 11:30 AM CTLIVE AT 11:30 AM CT Manitoba government to give update on landfill search
The Manitoba government is set to give an update on the search for remains at the Prairie Green Landfill on Monday morning.
-
Woman arrested in Skywalk after wielding knife, threatening security: police
A Winnipeg woman is facing several charges after police said she threatened security at the Millenium Library downtown.
-
Winnipeg man charged after drugs, shotgun seized
A 32-year-old man has been charged with several weapon and drug-related offences by Winnipeg police.
Regina
-
Four people charged after weekend assault in Regina
A total of four people face charges after an individual was assaulted with a firearm early Sunday morning, according to police.
-
Manz found guilty of one charge of sexual assault, acquitted on five others after 57 hours of deliberations
After being sequestered for more than 57 hours, a 12-person jury has found Regina chiropractor Ruben Manz guilty of one count of sexual assault.
-
Agribition 2024 wraps up in Regina
The 53rd Canadian Western Agribition wrapped up on Nov. 29, after an event-filled day.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon priest accused of sexual assault says he meant to encourage young girl with hug and kiss
A Saskatoon priest accused of sexual assault says he meant to encourage and reassure a young girl when he hugged and kissed her during an encounter in 2023.
-
City crews battle overnight snowfall in Saskatoon
The City of Saskatoon crews are plowing and grading high traffic roads following overnight snowfall in the city.
-
Sask. Indigenous storytelling lives on through award-winning radio play
For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples in North America have passed down stories and history through oral tradition. That age-old practice continues today with We Treaty People, a nine-part radio play series created by Burnt Thicket Theatre.
Toronto
-
Crews work to reopen highway north of Toronto after major snowstorm hits cottage country
Crews are still working to reopen Highway 11 north of Toronto after parts of Ontario’s cottage country were hit with upwards of 140 centimetres of snowfall over the weekend.
-
'Ally to the North': Ontario launches U.S. ad campaign amid Trump's tariff threat
Ontario is launching a U.S. ad campaign, touting the province as an 'ally to the North' ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s second term and under the threat of tariffs on all Canadian goods.
-
Ontario food banks cutting back amid 'unprecedented surge in demand'
About 40 per cent of food banks in the province have scaled back the amount of food they provide each visit amid “record-high demand,” according to a new report by Feed Ontario.
Montreal
-
Snow, rain on the way to Montreal this week
A dusting of snow greeted Montrealers early Monday morning, with more expected to hit the ground by the end of the week.
-
Unions decry arrival of Sante Quebec, APTS demonstrates
The arrival of Sante Quebec, the new agency responsible for coordinating health care operations in the province, has sparked discontent among major unions.
-
Teen arrested for dangerous driving, assaulting Montreal police officer
A 17-year-old was arrested for dangerous driving and alleged armed assault against a Montreal police officer.
Ottawa
-
Multiple elements contributed to fatal Chinook helicopter crash in Ottawa River, investigation concludes
The investigation into a Chinook helicopter crash near Petawawa, Ont. that killed two military pilots concludes an 'unperceived acceleration' and environmental conditions were "significant contributors" to the crash in the Ottawa River.
-
Salvation Army workers at Ottawa shelter vote in favour of strike
The union representing staff at the Salvation Army homeless shelter in Ottawa's ByWard Market have voted in favour of a strike.
-
Stittsville family recreates Christmas movie themed holiday light display for charity
A Christmas classic in Stittsville is back.
Atlantic
-
NEWNEW Man killed, another injured in 'suspicious' house fire in New Brunswick
One man is dead and a second is badly injured after a suspicious house fire in Coal Creek, N.B.
-
Filmmaker Spencer MacKay, fixture of annual IWK Telethon, passes away at 27
A young Halifax filmmaker known for his dedication to the IWK Telethon, and who is a familiar face to CTV News viewers, has died at the age of 27.
-
Avril Lavigne to play shows in Moncton, Halifax next year
Calling all Sk8er Bois … Canada’s pop-punk princess is coming to Atlantic Canada. Evenko says Avril Lavigne is extending her sold-out Greatest Hits Tour due to popular demand.
London
-
Arrest and charges after suspicious fire on Wortley Road
At the time of the fire, it was reported that two people who rent apartments in the building escaped without injury and were being helped by the Red Cross.
-
Sarnia man charged in stabbing death of another man
Just before 5 a.m. on Sunday, police were called to a rooming house 194 Queen Street where two residents were involved in a physical fight wile in the kitchen.
-
TVDSB makes decision to close schools due to weather
Five area schools now closed due to the weather and bus cancellations
Kitchener
-
All Waterloo School Board school busses, taxis and special education routes cancelled
All school buses, taxis and special education routes for the Waterloo Region District School Board and Waterloo Catholic District School Board have been cancelled on Monday due to current weather conditions.
-
Fatal collision in Wellington County
One person has died after a three-vehicle collision in Wellington County.
-
Emergency crews battle large fire at Kitchener, Ont. townhouse complex
Waterloo Regional Police say Kingsway Drive will remain closed as emergency crews continue to battle a large blaze at a townhouse complex.
Northern Ontario
-
One injured in Energy Court encampment fire Sunday in Sudbury
One person was taken to hospital Sunday evening in Sudbury when propane canisters exploded after someone tried to light a cigarette in an encampment in Greater Sudbury.
-
Sudbury man, 68, killed in Lasalle Blvd. collision
A 68-year-old man was killed Friday evening in Sudbury when he was struck by a vehicle while he was walking on Lasalle Boulevard.
-
Highway 11 to reopen after snowstorm blasted the region, stranding motorists
From road closures, power outages, weather declarations and nonstop shoveling, Muskoka residents have been faced with nearly a metre of persistent snowfall.
N.L.
-
N.L. man not guilty of sex charges, judge cites inadequate police investigation
A Newfoundland and Labrador judge has acquitted a man of six crimes, including sexual assault and sexual interference, citing inadequacies in the investigation by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.
-
Newfoundland's LGBTQ2S+ bar paid drag queens $37.50. Tara Nova called them out.
If the screaming crowd in the twinkling Majestic Theatre in downtown St. John's was any indication, Newfoundland drag queen Tara Nova will never have to accept $37.50 for a show again.
-
'Who profits on hunger?': Inuit send pleading emails to minister about food costs
People in Nunavut and northern Labrador have been writing to Canadian government officials this year to say grocers were charging exorbitant prices despite receiving a federal subsidy.
