An internal memo sent to staff at Cessnock Correctional Centre, in the Upper Hunter, informed them that a number of inmates who had mixed with positive COVID-19 prisoners at Parklea Prison in Sydney had been sent there on August 11.The memo said the Covid-positive prisoners had been in “Area 6” at Parklea, a non-quarantine area.Parklea — which is privately operated by MTC Broadspectrum and can house up to 1350 prisoners — was sent into lockdown on Saturday, with all prisoners currently being tested.“Some inmates housed in Area 6 at Parklea CC, returned positive COVID-19 test results last night (August 27, 2021),” the memo sent to prison staff on Sunday read.“Area 6 is not a quarantine area and investigations about the source and spread of infections are underway. All inmates currently housed in Area 6 have now been tested and some of these results have also come back positive.Daily Telegraph – News Feed latest episode“At this stage we have identified inmates who have left Parklea CC after 11 August 2021 as we are concerned about potential transmission. As you can see from the attached, some of these inmates are now present in your centre (at Cessnock).”The memo said prisoners who had travelled to Cessnock from Parklea would be tested immediately and the results expedited.Officers and staff at both prisoners must wear full personal protective equipment, including masks, goggles or eye protection, gloves and long sleeves.“I appreciate this will be a source of anxiety for you and your staff. At this stage we are just taking the most cautious approach to ensure we protect all staff and inmates,” the memo read.Both Corrective Services NSW and MTC-Broadspectrum have been contacted for comment.NAT – Stay Informed – Social Media
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