COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: April 23, 2021

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

I hope you are keeping well. I have an update on COVID and vaccines.

It is good to see offenders recovering in institutions where we had outbreaks a few weeks ago. There are currently 30 active COVID-19 cases among inmate across the country: 12 at the Regional Mental Health Centre in Quebec, one at Millhaven Institution (Maximum) in Ontario, 13 at Saskatchewan Penitentiary (Medium), two at Bowden Institution and two at Drumheller Institution (Medium) in Alberta.

We have measures in place to contain the virus at these institutions, but know that until we all are protected, we may continue to get cases in our congregate living sites. To prevent this from happening, it is up to all of us to make sure we continue to follow our health and safety measures.

This year, World Immunization Week, April 24 to 30 seems to have extra meaning. The idea behind the week is to raise awareness that vaccines are our best protection against the negative effects of viruses. Immunizations save millions of lives every year and protect us from deadly diseases.

As COVID-19 and its variants spread around the world, vaccines are essential to stopping its spread. The more people that get vaccinated, the more protected we all are against this virus. Last week, we began offering the Moderna vaccine to all inmates in every institution and Community Correctional Centre. I encourage you to get vaccinated when it is available to you to increase the overall level of protection for everyone. I thank those of you who already have. For those who haven’t, it is not too late to change you mind.

Some people get no side effects from vaccines while others get mild ones. After your vaccination, you may notice mild side effects. You may have sore muscles, a headache, or feel unusually tired. This is your body’s way of building up an immunity to fight the coronavirus. These can last from a few hours to a few days. If your symptoms persist after 48 hours, then speak to someone in Health Services.

I have been impressed throughout the pandemic with the amazing commitment and dedication of our health care staff. Feel free to ask them any questions you have – they are there to help you. If you can, take a moment to thank them for working hard to keep you all safe.

Please continue to take measures to protect yourself and others by wearing your mask, physical distancing and washing/sanitizing your hands often. Even after you have received the vaccine, these simple actions are necessary to keeping everyone protected.

Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and doing your part to keep yourself and others safe.