The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is reporting the passing of two inmates at the Spanish Town Hospital in St. Catherine on the weekend, who were reportedly experiencing flu-like symptoms.

In a release this morning, the DCS said the deaths occurred on Friday and yesterday. 

According to the release, the DCS confirmed that preliminary laboratory results have identified the ‘Influenza A’ virus in samples from six inmates at the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre and one inmate at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre.

It said the management of these cases continues to focus on:

– Isolating inmates exhibiting flu-like symptoms;

– Restricting movement within the facilities;

– Enforcing strict hand washing and sanitization protocols;

– Mandating mask-wearing by both inmates and staff;

– Providing access to flu vaccines and Vitamin C supplements;

– Encouraging early reporting of symptoms, and

– Conducting regular testing and continuous monitoring of staff and inmates.

The DCS says it remains steadfast in its collaboration with supporting ministries and departments to safeguard the health and well-being of staff, inmates and visitors to correctional facilities.