ACT Corrective Services has launched a Rapid Antigen Screening pilot program at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) to help protect employees, detainees and their families from COVID-19.
Announced by Minister for Corrections, Mick Gentleman, the pilot aims to support a return to more normal operations for the AMC, including face-to-face visits.
“Staff, contractors and visitors over 12 years of age will be required to undertake Rapid Antigen Screening before entering the AMC,” Mr Gentleman said.
“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,” he 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.”
Mr Gentleman said anyone who returned a positive result would not be allowed to enter the centre and would be required to undertake a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic test as soon as possible to confirm their COVID-19 status.
“This is another layer of defence against the spread of the virus in the AMC that adds to the other COVID-safe protocols that are currently in place,” he said.
“If a person is unwell, they should not attend the workplace and should immediately get a standard COVID-19 test.”
Mr Gentleman expressed his gratitude to Corrective Services NSW, which he said provided support for the pilot’s rollout.
