Canada’s prison system is taking steps to prevent and respond to a potential COVID-19 outbreak, including a quarantine plan that would be executed under “extreme circumstances.”
Canada’s prison system is taking steps to prevent and respond to a potential COVID-19 outbreak with, among other things, a quarantine plan that would be executed under “extreme circumstances.”
Correctional Service Canada (CSC) spokesperson Martine Rondeau said there has not yet been a case of coronavirus in a federal corrections institution. Protocols are in place to prevent infection, including heightened hygiene regimes, increased signage and a rule that says visitors should stay away if they’re sick or showing signs of a cough, fever or respiratory illness.
Institutional health care services are prepared to handle cases of influenza and other respiratory illnesses such as COVID‑19, she said.
“We have contingency plans for extreme circumstances. CSC would comply with requirements set by public health authorities,” Rondeau said. “Although it is highly unlikely, this could include an institution being quarantined.”
Any decision on a potential prison lockdown due to COVID-19 would be made in collaboration with local health authorities.
Correctional Investigator of Canada Ivan Zinger visited Drumheller Institution in Alberta this week and said he was encouraged by the level of preparation for a potential COVID-19 outbreak. CSC is distributing huge quantities of supplies to each institution, including gloves, gowns, masks, sanitizer a