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The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has confirmed on Sunday (Sept 28) that visits to the Quebec Federal Prisons have been suspended in order to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 inside the facilities.
Agency spokeswoman Ms. Avely Serin said in an email that the Correctional Service of Canada is working closely with its Quebec public health partners amidst the recent rise in the number of COVID-19 cases.
She stated, “This decision is a proactive and preventative measure given that community transmission rates in the province have risen in recent days.”
Quebec has seen a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in last few weeks. New 896 cases were reported on Sunday (Sept 27) and it was the highest single-day record since May. The number of COVID-19 cases in Ontario is also steadily increasing. The province reported new 491 COVID-19 cases on the same day and another 2 deaths caused due to the virus. The provincial government also stated that there are currently no active cases of COVID-19 at Quebec federal prisons.
Ms. Avely Serin said that these restrictions are in line with some of the latest public health recommendations and guidelines from the government of Quebec to stop the potential spread of the virus. The measures include avoiding travel between different parts of the province, minimizing contact with others and avoiding social gatherings. The measures will re-evaluate every week in view of the changes in the ongoing situation.
New restrictions implemented in Quebec also include the suspension of temporary absences and work releases from institutions and community correctional centers. Medical services at the facilities of the CSC in Quebec will run, however, temporary absences are allowed for medical and compassionate purposes. The restrictions will not be applied to federal agencies in other provinces, but the agency is closely monitoring the ongoing critical situation and will take other measures in response to the challenges that come with the pandemic.
