COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: August 21, 2020

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

It has been a few weeks now since we began to support visits into our sites and restarted many of our programs. I wanted to update you on our progress and our plans.

We recognize the valuable support that we receive from Elders, and so we are resuming in-person Elder-assisted hearings. These will be on a case-by-case basis and, as with all our programming, they will follow the necessary infection prevention and infection control measures. During these hearings, all participants will wear masks. All rooms and equipment, including approved ceremonial and sacred objects, will be disinfected and items will not be passed between people.

We will begin reintroducing some in-person volunteer activities to support you, both in institutions and the community, with a goal of limiting the number of people participating in meetings and activities. Volunteers are required to wear masks and exercise physical distancing.

Fall will soon be here which also means that flu season is just around the corner. Typically the flu season runs from late fall to early spring. The Influenza vaccine will be available to inmates and we will share more information about this in the coming weeks.

I appreciate your cooperation in following the health and safety measures that we have put in place. They are making a difference and helping to keep everyone safe.

Please continue to wash your hands frequently and wear your mask as needed.