COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: August 28, 2020

This content is a message to federal offenders and their families from Correctional Service Canada's (CSC’s) Commissioner.

I am pleased to let you know that we continue to reinstate more activities and programming in our institutions and community offices. But as you know, things look a little different as we work to implement new health and safety measures to keep everyone safe.

While many activities have been approved to start again, some institutions cannot implement them due to factors such as the physical configuration of the institution. One example is not having adequate room to quarantine someone after a private family visit. For everyone’s health and safety, it is vital that we be able to apply the proper prevention measures for all activities. This means that if the prevention measures for a certain activity cannot be applied in an institution, then that activity cannot resume at this time. Thank you for your patience as we work to find the best and safest solutions.

I am happy to say that there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among inmates in any of our institutions. Wearing a mask, washing your hands and distancing yourself from others are key to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other flu viruses. We have been applying these measures in all our institutions.

Please continue to wear your mask when you are around other people and cannot maintain a distance of at least 2 metres apart. Make sure your mask covers your mouth and your nose. And make sure you do not leave used masks where other people may come in contact with them. The way you handle your mask is important to avoid contaminating it. Wash your hands before you put on your mask and before you take it off. When you remove your mask, do not touch the mask itself, but take it off by untying or lifting the loops from your ears. Masks may not always be comfortable, but they are absolutely necessary to keep yourself and those around you safe and healthy. Thank you for continuing to do your part in preventing the spread of the virus.

Although visits have resumed at all federal institutions across the country, I know this situation has been challenging for you and your loved ones. You will remember that starting in March, I waived food, accommodation, and telephone deductions. I am extending this again until December 15, 2020.

Thank you for your ongoing patience and collaboration.