COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: April 1, 2020

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

As promised, I want to keep you informed as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve daily.  

As of this week, there are three inmates who have tested positive for COVID-19. The inmates who tested positive are in medical isolation and we are working carefully and closely with public health to prevent any spread. My thoughts are with these inmates and their families and I wish them a speedy recovery.

We have distributed posters, fact sheets and prevention information to institutions and directly to inmates. I want to remind you of COVID-19 information from the Public Health Agency of Canada. Those who are infected with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms. You may not know you have symptoms because they are similar to a cold or flu. Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. Cases can range from mild to severe, and sometimes be potentially fatal.

Symptoms have included:

• cough
• fever
• difficulty breathing

It is crucial that each of you play a role in preventing the spread of illness, including monitoring your own health for symptoms and reporting them. Early detection is key to reducing the spread. Please speak to health services if you have questions or concerns. Don't wait. CSC staff are there to help you.

If you think you have symptoms of COVID-19, please let somebody know before you leave your cell or room, so we can give you a surgical mask to wear. Telling us will help us take measures to protect you, the staff and everyone else.

Physical distancing is a way you can reduce the spread of infection. This means keeping a distance of at least two arms-length from others. When officers conduct range walks, please return to your cell/room to allow proper distancing.

I know the routines in your institutions have been modified and this is affecting your ability to report to your work and/or program assignments. This is beyond your control and I want to assure you that you will continue to receive your pay. You will continue to receive pay at the same level you were paid during the March 2-15, 2020 pay period. If you had no pay or were receiving the basic allowance at that time, as of today, your pay will be increased to the rate of $2.50.

To ensure your ongoing safety, visits, temporary absences and work releases continue to be suspended and we are constantly reassessing this. Please continue to connect with your loved ones during this time: by phone, video visitation or letters.

Please do your part to keep yourself and others safe and minimize disruptions during this challenging time. This is especially important to allow our correctional and health services professionals to focus on their jobs and be available to those who need their attention.

I will keep writing to you to keep you informed. Your cooperation is important and will make a difference as we work through this.