COVID-19 update for correctional employees: December 18, 2020

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

The holiday period is here and we will soon close off 2020. I know many Correctional Service Canada (CSC) employees welcome the start of a fresh, New Year! I am so very proud of the work we have done together this year and wish you a healthy, safe and restful time over the next few weeks. For those of you who are working over the holidays, thank you for your continued dedication to the public safety of Canadians, this work is essential. Please remember to take time to connect with loved ones as we all find different ways to celebrate our traditions this year.

GCWCC

Across the country, many of you have supported local organizations and people in need. Your donations to the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC), which wrapped up on December 15, have also been generous this year. CSC employees from across the country donated an impressive $247,896.34. This significant contribution will be most appreciated by so many at this time of year.

COVID-19 Update

There are currently active inmate cases in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario. Heightened measures are being put in place to help contain the virus. You can get updates on active inmate cases on our website:

• Testing of inmates in federal correctional institutions for COVID-19

As a heightened measure in the Ontario region, this week CSC suspended inmate visits at all institutions in the province.

•  News release

Vaccines are a critical way to limit the spread of the virus. CSC is following advice from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) on prioritizing COVID-19 vaccinations and ensuring staff and offenders are provided with access to the vaccine in 2021. CSC will have more information to share in the new year.

As CSC waits for the vaccine to roll out across the country over the next months, I want to reinforce the importance of maintaining the infection and prevention control measures, especially as we near the holiday season. I cannot stress enough how important it is that you socialize only with those in your immediate household, and only make essential trips to public places, such as the grocery store. Keep a distance of two metres between yourself and others, wash or sanitize your hands often, and wear a mask. These are the best ways to protect yourself and others from contracting COVID-19.

Also, please continue to follow mask guidelines. It is best to avoid touching your mask or your face. If you do, remember to wash your hands. Learn more by viewing this handy video by PHAC.

• COVID-19: How to wear a non-medical mask or face covering properly

Working with the Canadian Red Cross

 On December 11, we announced that CSC is working with the Canadian Red Cross. They will provide onsite advice and guidance to help us prevent and contain the spread of COVID-19 in the event of outbreaks. This includes preparedness, planning, and education efforts at our correctional institutions across the country. This will ensure that all steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and being taken to keep our institutions and communities healthy. The Canadian Red Cross is already providing support to institutions in a number of Provinces and will continue to provide support to our other institutions into 2021.

•  News release

Stay cyber safe this holiday season

I would like to encourage you to check out the Communications and Security Establishment's new:

• Get Cyber Safe website and browse through their resources

These include cyber security tips and ways to stay safe online including:

• a dedicated COVID-19 resource page
• videos, and
• a series of one-pagers to give Canadians an easy-to-follow guide to staying secure

Christmas Lights Across Canada

I would like to remind you that you can enjoy more than just the festive lights in your neighbourhood. The capital city of each province and territory is uniquely lit up as part of:

• the Christmas Lights Across Canada program

You can see these lights and more in a virtual, dazzling cross-country celebration from now to January 7, 2021. Please remember to share the lights that illuminate your community by using the hashtag #ChristmasLightsAcrossCanada.

In closing, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to each of you for all your hard work and dedication this year. I would also like to thank your families and loved ones who support you in performing the important job you do, which can include after hours work and weekends, in service to Canadians. It is much appreciated and does not go unnoticed.