COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: May 6, 2020

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

We continue to adapt to the changing circumstances presented by COVID-19 and I want to thank you for your continued cooperation. I understand these are stressful times for everyone. We are closely monitoring the situation and looking for ways to ease the impact on you.

It is really important that you continue connecting with your families and support networks during this time. As such, the equivalent of $5 worth of additional minutes was put on your phone account as of May 4th.

Sadly, an inmate from the Federal Training Centre, multi-level unit, in Laval, Quebec passed away last weekend as an apparent result of complications related to COVID-19.  Please know that we continue to do everything we can to ensure your health and safety.

We have enhanced cleaning protocols, including disinfecting common areas and high-contact surfaces. And, as we have for many weeks now, we continue to actively do health screening on anyone that must enter our institutions. We continue to work with public health to test, trace and treat any positive cases of COVID-19. To date, there are cases at five of our 43 institutions. Out of 290 positive inmate cases, 155 have now fully recovered. This means that the number of recovered cases has surpassed the number of active positive cases, which currently sits at 134. I continue to send my best wishes for health and recovery to all those who still have the virus.

You have all been provided with masks to wear and staff have as well. It is important that you wear them while continuing to keep up with other measures. Please continue to practice physical distancing and good hygiene. It is important to wash your hands before you put on your mask and after you take it off to keep it clean, and avoid touching your face while wearing it. This added layer of protection helps reduce the spread of infection.

Some of you have written with questions about access to soap and hand sanitizer. Soap is one of the basic hygiene products provided to all inmates and this will continue. CSC just received 13,031 litres of hand sanitizer and is expecting to receive 11,349 more litres soon. These items continue to be provided to each institution as well as masks and other personal protective equipment.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who have been involved in CORCAN’s contribution to fight COVID-19 and make us all safer. CORCAN is working closely with 18 of our operational sites to expand the production of items such as bed and bath linens, mattresses, as well as masks and gowns. To date, almost 40,000 disposable masks and 6,000 washable masks have been produced. These items will help replenish our current stocks and enhance our ability to fight this pandemic. I am very proud of the contributions of so many of you.

We can all do our part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Early detection is key in preventing any spread of illness. Please continue to self-monitor your health and talk to Health Services if you have questions. They are there to help you.

I recognize that these are very challenging times and I want to sincerely thank you for your cooperation.