COVID-19 update for correctional employees: March 16, 2020

This content is a message to Correctional Service Canada (CSC) staff from CSC's Commissioner.

The continued health, safety and well-being of our employees and offenders is critical, as is our ongoing ability to maintain safe and secure environments as well as public safety.

Unprecedented steps are being taken by all parts of society, including the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), to address the particular concerns raised by COVID-19. CSC continues to follow public health guidance and make decisions to protect your health and safety.

While there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our institutions, we continue to actively monitor, plan and engage with authorities on precautions we can take to minimize risks associated with the virus.

Our work in managing inmates in institutions and the community is essential and critical work that must continue during this time. This means we are focusing on critical operations.

To protect our staff and offenders, we have suspended:

• visits from the public and volunteers
• all temporary absences from institutions (ETAs/UTAs), unless medically necessary
• work releases for offenders

The Parole Board has also cancelled observer and victim attendance at hearings. Employees are actively screening anyone that must enter institutions. This will be reassessed on an ongoing basis as this situation evolves.

For those that are working from home, be mindful that many public servants are doing the same and IT networks may be at capacity. Review these tips and use smart phones as much as possible and personal devices for social media use.

These are unprecedented circumstances and we appreciate everyone's hard work, professionalism and commitment as things evolve. Your health and safety continue to be a priority and we will continue to keep you informed as things evolve.

Thank you for your collaboration and understanding.

For up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit Canada.ca/coronavirus.