Canberra's COVID rapid antigen screening pilot introduced at jail, the Alexander Maconochie Centre

ACT Corrective Services will undertake a rapid antigen screening pilot program at the Alexander Maconochie Centre to help protect employees, detainees and their families from COVID-19.

The pilot program for schools was dropped on November 18 due to time constraints after a COVID-19 outbreak in Canberra schools.

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Corrections Minister Mick Gentleman said testing for employees and visitors would help support a return to more normal operations for the prison, 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," Minister 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.

"Dedicated staffing roles have been established and they will undertake training in the correct use of the nasal swab and interpretation of the results."

He said anyone who returned a positive result would not be allowed to enter the centre and would be required to undertake a 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. If a person is unwell, they should not attend the workplace and should immediately get a standard COVID-19 test," Mr Gentleman said.

"We are grateful for the support NSW Corrective Services has provided in the rollout of the program."

Those who are vaccinated will still be required to take part in the screening.

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