CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — A man who tested positive for COVID-19 in P.E.I. has been in jail since Friday after allegedly not self-isolating and putting the public at risk.
Javan Mizero Nsangira is facing multiple charges, including two counts of committing a nuisance by not self-isolating, thereby endangering the public.
He has also been charged with two counts of uttering a threat, one count of assault, one count of mischief and a violation of the Public Health Act.
One of the charges of uttering a threat involves an RCMP officer who is now in isolation because of his contact with Nsangira.
Several other police officers have also had to self-isolate.
When Nsangira’s case was called before Chief Judge Nancy Orr in provincial court in Charlottetown Monday, the accused wasn’t present and took part in the proceedings by phone from jail.
With public health protocols in place to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), inmates at the jail have been making court appearances by video instead of in person.
A video appearance was not an option for Nsangira, who the court heard has tested positive for COVID-19 three times, including twice prior to his arrest on Friday. He has been in isolation at the jail since his arrest.
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is required to self-isolate to avoid spreading the coronavirus.
Crown attorney John Diamond told the court Nsangira was self-isolating at the Rodd Brudenell River Resort and the police had to become involved because of his actions.
The provincial jail was the only place Nsangira could be sent to ensure he complies with the order to self-isolate, Diamond said, adding that he is a danger to the public.
Diamond told the court the Crown strongly opposed Nsangira being released from custody.
The difficulties Nsangira caused the police, the jail and the Crown can only be described as “a large problem,” Diamond said.
P.E.I. has had 36 positive cases of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, including nine in recent weeks.
Nsangira is one of those recently confirmed cases.
He has yet to enter pleas, and his next court date is scheduled for July 30 in Georgetown on two charges related to his arrest on July 17.
Nsangira is also scheduled to appear in court in Charlottetown on Aug. 20 on five charges related to his arrest on July 15, including one count of committing a nuisance.
