COVID-19 update for correctional employees: March 20, 2020

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

As concerns about COVID-19 continue to be on everyone’s mind, we want to assure you that we are closely monitoring this evolving situation and are committed to providing you with up-to-date information. Our number one priority is the health and safety of Correctional Service of Canada’s (CSC) employees, offenders and the public.

As such, we are continually implementing and updating measures to ensure this. CSC remains in close contact with public health authorities and is well positioned to make any further clinical or operational decisions necessary.

Questions and answers

Treasury Board Secretariat has provided us more information about the impact of the current circumstances on Public Servants. Please consult the updated questions and answers.

Mental health

As we may be experiencing anxiety and stress about these unprecedented times, it is important to acknowledge these impacts and to engage in an open dialogue about them, including on ways to maintain and support our mental health. The Centre of Expertise for Mental health in the Workplace has valuable resources about COVID-19 and Mental Health @ Work. Please don’t hesitate to consult them.

• COVID-19 and Mental Health @ Work

Remember that the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all of us. If you need support, please call Employee Assistance Services at 1-800-268-7708, which is a 24/7 number. The TTY number is 1-800-567-5803.

Reminders

We remind you that if you feel sick, stay home, inform your manager, and contact your health care provider or public health authority. There are also preventative measures we can take to safeguard ourselves and others, including washing our hands regularly; avoiding touching our eyes, nose and mouth; and following public health advice. By working together, we can make a difference in flattening the curve and preventing the further spread of COVID-19.

Please speak to your manager if you have questions. We will continue to share information about our preparedness and response. Information is posted regularly on The Hub and on CSC’s social media streams. From now on, the information will also be available on our website.

We also encourage you to visit Canada.ca/coronavirus for up-to-date information about COVID-19.

• Canada.ca/coronavirus

Thank you for your collaboration and understanding. Your continued hard work, professionalism and support are appreciated as we navigate through this challenging time.