Corrections says 30 people are self-isolating after a Corrections' staff member had 'household contact' with a positive case.
A statement from Auckland Prison director David Pattinson says the household contact tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, September 12.
"As a result, our staff member is self-isolating. They were tested and interviewed by the Ministry of Health on Sunday September 13 and returned a negative result. They remain in self-isolation and will have two further tests to confirm that they do not have COVID-19," he says.
So far, 30 people have been identified who may have had potential contact with the staff member since Monday September 7. This includes two prisoners, eight contractors or professional visitors (ie: delivery drivers) and 20 Corrections staff.
"We are following advice from the Ministry of Health, and the two prisoners have been isolated and tested, neither are symptomatic. Staff caring for them will wear full PPE," Pattinson says.
"The contractors' and visitors' employers have been advised. The Corrections staff have been placed on special leave and advised to self-isolate and be tested, none are symptomatic.
"We have carried out deep cleaning of two areas that the staff member worked in. Visits to the prison by family members and friends were cancelled on Sunday 13 September and Tuesday 15 September (with no visits scheduled for Monday 14 September)."
