COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: July 3, 2020

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

As we continue to implement measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our institutions, we have been working hard to safely resume activities and shape our new normal. You should now see increased on-site access to correctional programs, Elders and Chaplains.

I know it is very important to many of you to see your families and loved ones again and we are working on plans to resume visits. These will begin rolling out at different times across the country starting within the next two weeks.

Given how easily COVID-19 can spread in closed environments, we must ensure that sufficient health and safety measures are in place to protect you, your families and the staff that enter the institution. For the time being, visits will look a bit different than they did prior to the pandemic. I want to share these measures with you so that you can discuss them with family and friends to help them prepare for visits, once they resume.

• Visitors must not come to the institution if they have symptoms or are sick.
• When they arrive at the institution, all visitors will be screened and asked questions related to their health. They will also have their temperature taken (touchless). If they have symptoms, they will not be allowed to enter.
• Visitors will be required to wash their hands for 20 seconds and wear a mask. Visitors can bring their own mask. If they do not have one, a mask will be provided.
• Visits will occur with physical distancing measures of at least 2 meters apart. This means that for the time being, these visits will be without physical contact.
• No more than three visitors per inmate will be permitted at one time, two of whom may be children.
• Visits will be limited to 1.5 hours each.

I know these measures are more restrictive than you may have been anticipating but we need to go gradually so we do not undo any of the good work we have done so far to prevent spread of the virus. We have a duty to protect everyone’s health and safety. For more information on measures related to visits, please refer to the handout that was included with this note.

We will soon post information online indicating when visits will open at each institution. To book a visit, your visitor will need to call the institution at least 48 hours in advance. Pre-booking visits helps us ensure smaller groups of visitors enter institutions during designated times. All normal visiting requirements remain in place. Please make sure your family and loved ones are registered to visit and their CPIC clearance is up-to-date. The forms are available on the CSC website.

In addition, I want you to know that I am maintaining your current rate of pay for another three months. You will continue to receive pay at the same level you were paid prior to the pandemic. If you had no pay or were receiving the basic allowance at that time, your pay will continue at the rate of $2.50.

I would like to remind you that getting tested for COVID-19 helps with early detection. We are currently implementing broader testing among the inmate population. While testing is voluntary, if you are offered a test, please take it. Some people may not show symptoms of COVID-19 and can unknowingly transmit it. Testing gives us all more information to take the proper precautions and prevent any spread of the virus.

Thank you very much for your ongoing collaboration.