COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: November 27, 2020

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

I want to thank you for your continued collaboration during the pandemic, especially lately, as we are seeing higher rates of community transmission in some areas of the country. Having everyone play their part to keep up with the public health measures does make a difference in our ability to reduce the risk of transmission within our institutions. I appreciate your collaboration.

We recently received feedback from some of you saying that you appreciate getting updates on cases of COVID-19 within our institutions. The number of tests conducted, results and recoveries fluctuate daily. Currently, we have some active inmate cases of COVID-19 in four institutions: Edmonton Institution and Edmonton Institution for Women in Alberta; Stony Mountain Institution (medium) in Manitoba; and Drummond Institution in Quebec. As of today, there are no inmates cases at any other institution. We are monitoring these institutions closely and are making every effort, in collaboration with public health, to keep everyone as safe as possible.

We are asking you to let the Health Services know immediately if you have any symptoms, even the most mild ones. And if you are offered a test, please take it. Early detection is key to containing any transmission and keeping everyone as safe as possible.

In regions where there are higher rates of community transmission, we have taken heightened measures. This means that is some areas, we have limited comings and goings from institutions to minimize potential risks for everyone at the site. In some areas, in person visits are not taking place. I know this can be difficult for you. There are other ways to continue connecting with your support network. Please continue to use video visitation and call your loved ones. You can also reach out to a Chaplain, Elder or a Citizen Advisory Committee member for support.

As you know, the Commissioner often highlights special days, weeks, or months that have an impact on our lives or the lives of those around us. December 1 is World AIDS Day. The goal of the first AIDS Day in 1988 was to bring awareness to a deadly disease. Thirty-two years later, HIV is no longer considered fatal. With treatment, it is a manageable, chronic illness. In fact, with antiviral therapy, the disease may be suppressed so that it can hardly be detected in a person's blood, leading to a longer and heathier life. As a society, we can all play an important role in knowing the facts and reducing HIV-related stigma.

Your health and safety continues to be our top priority during these unprecedented times.  Please continue to keep up with our public health measures: maintain a two metre distance between yourself and others as much as possible, wash or sanitize your hands often, and wear your mask.

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