COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: April 30, 2021
This content is a message to federal offenders and their families from Correctional Service Canada's (CSC’s) Commissioner.
This week I have an update on COVID-19 and information on important dates to recognize.
Ramadan began on Monday, April 12, and ends on Wednesday, May 12. Ramadan Mubarak to those Muslims who observe this holy month. I wish you many meaningful moments celebrating in safe ways.
There are currently 50 active COVID-19 cases among inmates across the country: four at Donnacona Institution (Maximum), three at the Regional Mental Health Centre in Quebec, one at Millhaven Institution (Maximum) in Ontario, 24 at Saskatchewan Penitentiary (Medium) and 18 at Bowden Institution in Alberta.
We are monitoring these situations closely. Everyone must remain diligent in minimizing this risk by making sure you continue to follow our health and safety measures.
Our best protection is a combination of many actions, which provide layers of protection, including hand hygiene, wearing a mask, keeping your physical distance—and now we have the vaccine. I thank you for keeping up these actions, and for getting the vaccine when offered to you.
We have a new COVID-19 information sheet coming your way with details about the importance of testing and the vaccine. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have COVID-19, and getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from the disease. Please remember that you can ask for the vaccine at any time. If you would like to get vaccinated for COVID-19, please reach out to health services.
May is Asian Heritage Month. It is an opportunity to celebrate Asian individuals and communities, and their many achievements and contributions to Canadian society. It is also important that we talk about the rise of anti-Asian racism, particularly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is disturbing and unacceptable. We must all work together to create a society that celebrates our diversity and inclusion.
Next week, May 3 to 9, is Mental Health Week. This year, the theme is “Get Real About How You Feel.” Relying on others and sharing normal feelings of sadness, fear, and worry is hugely important during this unusual time. I encourage you to speak with someone about your concerns and how you feel. Reach out to health services. There are resources there to help you.
Next week is also Occupational Safety and Health Week, an opportunity to remember important health and safety practices in the workplace, for those of you involved with CORCAN or other work in institutions.
Your efforts and cooperation are much appreciated to keep you, and everyone else, safe and healthy.