Jail release denied in COVID-19 case

A man who tested positive for COVID-19 and is in jail for allegedly not self-isolating will be staying there until his case is dealt with in the courts.

Javan Mizero Nsangira appeared before justice of the peace Mark Gallant in Charlottetown by video from jail Friday for a show cause hearing as he tried to get released from custody.

Nsangira has been in custody since his arrest on July 17 and he is facing multiple charges that include two counts of committing a nuisance along with one count of assault, one count of mischief and a violation of the Public Health Act.

The nuisance charges relate to allegations Nsangira didn’t self-isolate after testing positive for COVID-19.

After hearing submissions during the show cause hearing, Gallant said that given the circumstances, Nsangira’s continued detention was warranted.

Since Nsangira’s arrest, chief public health officer Dr. Heather Morrison recently said all confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the province are considered recovered.