WINDHAM, Maine — The Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) says 72 inmates at the Maine Correctional Center (MCC) in Windham have tested positive for COVID-19 through rapid antigen tests. In addition, nine MCC employees have also tested positive.
Last week, the MDOC announced the Maine CDC had opened an outbreak investigation into the facility after three employees had tested positive, which prompted contact tracing and testing. Twelve additional cases were later identified after the inmates had been identified for testing as part of MCC's contact tracing following a symptomatic inmate.
On Tuesday, the MDOC announced there is now a total of 72 cases among inmates at the Windham facility. The MDOC says these inmates, who previously resided in two housing units at MCC, will now be housed together in one unit for residents who have tested positive for COVID-19. The vast majority are asymptomatic while a few report mild symptoms.
Thus far, universal testing at the facility has found that the outbreak is contained to the two aforementioned units at MCC. MDOC, in conjunction with the Maine CDC, will continue retesting of staff and inmates throughout the week.
Since last week, to stem transmission of the virus, MDOC suspended visits to MCC and Maine State Prison, canceled all intakes from county jails, and canceled transfer of inmates between MDOC facilities. In-person visits at all MDOC facilities have been suspended through November.
The Maine CDC continues its outbreak investigation at MCC.
Three inmates at the Maine State Prison (MSP) in Warren have tested positive for COVID-19 through rapid antigen tests. These individuals, who reside in the same unit of MSP, are awaiting confirmation from PCR tests. The MDOC says so far, COVID-19 cases at MSP are contained to this one unit. MSP has had a total of three staff positive for COVID-19.
Retesting of staff and inmates at MSP will continue throughout the week.
At NEWS CENTER Maine, we’re focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the illness. To see our full coverage, visit our coronavirus section, here: /coronavirus
