A rapid antigen screening pilot program is being rolled out at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC).
Staff, contractors and visitors over 12 years of age will be required to undertake the test before entering the jail.
Anyone who returns a positive result will not be allowed to enter the AMC and must have a PCR diagnostic test to confirm their COVID-19 status.
Minister for Corrections Mick Gentleman said rapid antigen screening for employees and visitors would help support a return to more “normal” operations for the AMC including face-to-face visits.
“Rapid antigen testing is useful for detecting COVID-19 in people who are not showing any symptoms to help prevent asymptomatic transmission and reduce the risk of outbreaks in the prison,” Mr Gentleman said.
“Dedicated staffing roles have been established and they will undertake training in the correct use of the nasal swab and interpretation of the results.”
Those who are vaccinated are still required to take part in the screening.
Who can be trusted?
In a world of spin and confusion, there’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in Canberra.
If you trust our work online and want to enforce the power of independent voices, I invite you to make a small contribution.
Every dollar of support is invested back into our journalism to help keep citynews.com.au strong and free.
Thank you,
Ian Meikle, editor
Leave a Reply